The Indian government’s ambitious initiative to digitize land records and registrations is poised to deliver significant economic and developmental benefits. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted the potential impact of this digitization effort, projecting a boost of about 1.5% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Speaking at the Bhumi Samvaad VIII conference, Singh emphasized the transformative role of modern technologies, particularly Blockchain, in revolutionizing land management practices.
One of the key objectives of digitizing land records is to address the extensive backlog of land dispute cases in courts. By streamlining and digitizing land records, the government aims to expedite dispute resolution processes, thereby reducing the burden on the judicial system and providing timely justice to citizens. Additionally, Singh noted that this initiative would significantly enhance India’s ease of doing business ranking, making the country a more attractive destination for investors and businesses.
The minister highlighted several key initiatives under the government’s digitization agenda. These include the introduction of the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (Bhu-Aadhaar) and the Transliteration of Land Records, which aims to provide land records in multiple languages to facilitate ease of doing business across linguistic barriers. Furthermore, the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) initiative seeks to establish a unified registration system, enabling seamless transactions and eliminating bureaucratic hurdles.
Discussions at the Bhumi Samvaad VIII conference underscored the transformative potential of digitalization in land management. Participants deliberated on the impact of digitalization on reducing litigation, streamlining process times, and cutting costs associated with land transactions. Moreover, the digitization of land records is expected to facilitate greater access to credit for farmers and landowners, thereby unlocking economic opportunities and promoting inclusive growth.
Nidhi Khare, Land Resources Secretary, emphasized the importance of sharing best practices and exploring scalable innovations in land governance. Conferences such as Bhumi Samvaad provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify challenges, and devise strategies for effective implementation of digitization initiatives. Khare reiterated the government’s commitment to transparent governance and ensuring that the benefits of digitization reach citizens at the grassroots level.
Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development, Faggan Singh Kulaste, reiterated the government’s focus on transparency and accountability in governance. He emphasized that the digitalization of land records and registrations would not only reduce the backlog of court cases but also ensure transparency in identifying beneficiaries for land acquisition. By leveraging technology, the government aims to mitigate land disputes and facilitate fair and efficient land transactions.
The government’s initiative to digitize land records and registrations represents a significant step towards modernizing land management practices in India. By harnessing the power of technology and innovative initiatives, such as Blockchain and NGDRS, the government aims to improve governance, enhance transparency, and stimulate economic growth. As discussions at the Bhumi Samvaad VIII conference highlighted, collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders are crucial for the successful implementation of digitization efforts and realizing the full potential of India’s land resources.