Land Acquisition in India - Government Prioritizes Digitization of Land Records

New Delhi: In a move to modernize and expedite land-related processes, the central government is set to prioritize the digitization of land records. This initiative, deemed crucial for the new administration, is expected to receive funding of approximately ₹1,035 crore. The plan aims to complete the digitization of all land records by the end of 2026, facilitating quicker land acquisition and speeding up various projects.

The government's commitment to land reforms was highlighted by a senior official who indicated that digitization would be a key focus if the government is re-elected. This effort is part of a broader 100-day economic agenda that also seeks to revise land-use policies across urban, forest, and agricultural domains to support significant infrastructure projects.

The agenda was reviewed in a meeting led by the cabinet secretary, which also addressed challenges in implementing other major reforms due to the current lack of digital land records, such as in areas like land monetization and agricultural reforms. The official noted that the ambitious target to digitize land records by 2026 would likely be detailed further when the full budget is presented.

A notable ongoing initiative is the implementation of the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), which assigns a 14-digit ID to each land parcel based on Geo-coordinates, aligning with international standards. The program aims to enhance the land record database by including details on ownership, usage, and associated risks.

Conclusion:

The government's plan to digitize land records reflects a strategic move to enhance the efficiency of land transactions and management, which is crucial for speeding up infrastructure projects and reducing litigation and delays. This initiative not only aims to streamline administrative processes but also supports broader economic reforms by improving transparency and reducing the potential for disputes.

The substantial budget allocation and the integration of advanced technologies like ULPIN underscore the importance of this project in the government's agenda, suggesting a significant impact on both urban and rural land management.