Bhoomi Samman 2023

• 21 Jul 2023

For Prelims: Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme, Aadhaar Card, Unique Land Parcel Identification Number , Blockchain-based system, Geographic Information System.

For Mains: Challenges Associated with Digitisation of Land Records

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the President of India presented the “Bhoomi Samman” 2023 at a function organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development.

What is “Bhoomi Samman”?

• The “Bhoomi Samman” is a prestigious award scheme launched by the Union Ministry of Rural Development to recognize and incentivize the achievements of states and districts in the implementation of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• The award is presented by the President of India to the state secretaries and district collectors along with their teams who have excelled in achieving saturation of the core components of DILRMP, such as:
  • Computerization of land records
  • Digitization of cadastral maps
  • Integration of textual and spatial data
  • Survey/re-survey using modern technology
  • Computerization of registration
  • Interoperability between registration and land records

Note: Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (erstwhile National Land Record Modernization Programme) under the Ministry of Rural Development was revamped and converted as a Central Sector Scheme with effect from 1^st April, 2016 with 100% funding by the Centre.

What are the Advantages of Digitalisation of Land Records?

• Transparency and Accountability: Digitization increases transparency in land transactions, reducing the scope for unethical and illegal activities related to land.
• Disaster Management: Digital records are more resilient to natural calamities like floods and fires, safeguarding essential land-related documents from loss.
• Land Parcel Identification Number: Similar to Aadhaar Card, the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number provided under the Digital India Land Information Management System allows efficient land utilization and enables the formulation and implementation of new welfare schemes.
• Resolution of Land Disputes: Access to land-related information in a free and convenient manner aids in resolving ownership and land-use disputes, reducing the burden on the administration and judiciary.

What are the Challenges Associated with Digitisation of Land Records?

• Fragmented Land Records: India's land records are maintained by multiple authorities at different levels - village, district, and state.
  • The lack of uniformity and integration between these records can create difficulties when attempting to centralize and digitize them.
• Technological Infrastructure and Connectivity: Digitization requires adequate technological infrastructure, including hardware, software, and internet connectivity.
  • In rural areas, where most land is located, the availability of such infrastructure can be limited, hindering the digitization process.
• Data Security and Privacy: Land records contain sensitive personal and property-related information.
  • Ensuring the security and privacy of this data during digitization and beyond is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and misuse.

Way Forward

• Blockchain-based Land Records: Implement a blockchain-based system to store and manage land records.
  • Blockchain's decentralized and immutable nature ensures transparency, reduces the possibility of fraud, and fosters trust in land transactions.
• Drone Surveys and GIS Mapping: Use drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and Lidar technology to conduct accurate surveys of land parcels.
  • Integrate the data with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to create a dynamic and real-time representation of land records.
• Standardization and Interoperability: Establish uniform data standards and formats to ensure compatibility and seamless integration of land records across different departments and systems.
  • This will enable efficient data sharing and retrieval.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct? (2019)

(a) The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.

(b) The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.

(c) It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.

(d) Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

Ans: (b)

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Mains:

Q. Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development Identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (2016)