On May 15, 2025, Union Minister Shri Chandrasekhar Pemmasani inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on Survey/Re-survey under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. He urged states to integrate Aadhaar numbers with Records of Rights (RoRs) to create a transparent and efficient land governance system, addressing longstanding issues caused by inaccurate and outdated land records.
The Need for Land Record Reforms
Tackling Disputes and Inefficiencies
Inaccurate land records are a major cause of disputes in India, with 66% of civil cases in lower courts and 25% of Supreme Court cases related to land and property. These disputes hinder development, delay justice, and affect inclusive growth. The DILRMP aims to resolve these challenges through digitization, modernization, and technology-driven surveys, ensuring clear and conclusive land ownership records.
Key Features of DILRMP
A Technology-Driven Approach
The DILRMP seeks to transform land governance by integrating Aadhaar with RoRs, enabling paperless offices, and streamlining court case management. It leverages advanced technologies like drones, aerial surveys, AI, and GIS for accurate land surveys at 10% of the cost of traditional methods. These reforms enhance transparency, reduce impersonation, and ensure targeted delivery of benefits under schemes like Agristack, PM-KISAN, and crop insurance.
Survey and Re-survey Initiative
A Five-Phase Plan
The Central Government has launched a centrally coordinated survey and re-survey programme to update land records, starting with 3 lakh sq. km of rural agricultural land over two years, with an outlay of Rs. 3,000 crore for Phase I. This initiative, implemented in five phases, involves state cooperation for ground-truthing and validation, supported by the Centre’s policy, funding, and technological expertise. Only 4% of villages have completed surveys so far, highlighting the urgency of this effort.
NAKSHA: Urban Land Records
Addressing Urban Challenges
The NAKSHA initiative focuses on modernizing urban and peri-urban land records, covering over 150 Urban Local Bodies. With high land values and frequent transactions in urban areas, accurate records are essential for urban planning, affordable housing, and municipal revenue. NAKSHA aims to reduce disputes and informal settlements, supporting sustainable urban development.
Digital and Paperless Systems
Enhancing Accessibility
The Department of Land Resources (DoLR) is promoting online registration systems and the Revenue Court Case Management System (RCCMS) to make land-related processes paperless and accessible. These systems enable automated workflows and anywhere access for citizens and officials, improving accountability and reducing delays in resolving land disputes.
Why This Matters
Empowering Vulnerable Communities
Accurate land records are critical for small and marginal farmers, tribal communities, and rural women, providing protection against exploitation and enabling access to credit and agricultural support. The DILRMP’s reforms aim to transform land from a source of conflict to one of trust, security, and prosperity, fostering inclusive development and economic growth across India.
Key Facts About DILRMP and Land Reforms
- The National Workshop on Survey/Re-survey under DILRMP was inaugurated on May 15, 2025 in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
- 66% of civil cases in lower courts and 25% in the Supreme Court are land-related disputes.
- The survey/re-survey programme will cover 3 lakh sq. km of rural agricultural land in Phase I with Rs. 3,000 crore.
- NAKSHA targets urban land records, covering over 150 Urban Local Bodies.
- Technologies like drones, AI, and GIS are used to modernize land surveys at reduced costs.