Land Reforms in India

Land reforms are crucial for economic development, social equity, and financial inclusion.

Land Reforms in India: Background and Importance

• Clean land records are often overlooked in discussions of financial inclusion.
• Secure land tenure is a prerequisite for economic stability and growth.
• Clear land titles significantly enhance access to credit, especially in rural India.

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Current Challenges on Land Reforms in India

• Outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate land records.
• Small and fragmented land holdings.
• High number of land-related disputes.
• Inefficient land acquisition processes.
• Persistence of informal, unsecured borrowing despite JAM trinity advancements.
• Disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, especially women.
• Land scarcity: India’s land per capita projected to decrease significantly by 2050.

Key Government Initiatives on Land Reforms in India

a) Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP):

• Evolved from National Land Records Modernization Programme (NILRMP).
• Aim: Modernize land records management, minimize disputes, enhance transparency.
• Central Sector Scheme with 100% central government funding.
• Budget: ₹875 crores, extended from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• New components: Computerization of revenue courts, Aadhaar integration with ROR.
• Progress:
• • 95.09% of villages have computerized Records of Rights (RoRs).
  • 68.02% of cadastral maps digitized.
  • 94.95% computerization of registration completed.
  • 87.48% integration of Sub Registrar offices with land records.

b) Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhar:

• 14-digit alphanumeric ID for each land parcel based on geo-coordinates.
• Complies with international standards (ECCMA and OGC).
• Includes ownership details, plot size, and geographical coordinates.
• Aims to facilitate real estate transactions and improve disaster planning.

c) SVAMITVA Scheme:

• Uses drone technology for precise land mapping in rural areas.
• Provides legal ownership cards to villagers.
• Supports property tax determination and Gram Panchayat revenue.
• Progress:
• • 3,04,862 villages surveyed by drones.
  • 9,29,91,300 parcels digitized.
  • 2,53,805 maps handed over to state authorities.
  • 1,21,593 property cards prepared, 72,712 distributed.

d) Model Agriculture Land Leasing Act, 2016:

• Aimed to improve land access for small and marginal farmers through leasing.
• Provides mechanism for tenants to avail institutional credit.
• Specifies rights and responsibilities of landowners and tenants.
• Includes dispute resolution mechanisms.

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Land Reforms in India: Political and Implementation Challenges

• Amendments to land acquisition law put in abeyance in 2015 due to political opposition.
• Withdrawal of three farm laws in 2021, including contract farming legalization.
• Slow implementation of Model Agriculture Land Leasing Act by states.
• Varying progress across states in ULPIN and SVAMITVA implementation.
• Lack of implementation in some states (e.g., West Bengal, Bihar for SVAMITVA).

Economic Impact

• GDP loss of about 1.3% due to land dispute-related project delays.
• 66% of civil suits in India related to land/property disputes.
• Average pendency of land acquisition disputes: 20 years.
• Major cause of cost escalation and time overruns in projects.
• Underemployment in agriculture sector (44% of workforce) partly due to fragmented holdings.

International Comparison and Future Projections

• India’s projected land per capita by 2050: 1/4th of current value.
• Significantly lower than China (4 times) and Brazil (20 times).
• Need for improved land record system due to land scarcity.

Proposed Reforms and Future Focus

• Shift from presumptive to conclusive land titling system.
• Complete implementation of DILRMP and ULPIN across all states.
• Focus on reducing disputes and delays in land acquisition.
• Potential changes in land-use policies for urban, forest, and agricultural land.
• Need for real-time updates of land records with encumbrance information.
• Integration of land records with satellite imagery.
• Addressing regional disparities in digitization and reforms implementation.

Benefits of Comprehensive Land Reforms

• Enhanced credit flow to needy sectors.
• Resolution of land-related disputes.
• Improved agricultural productivity through mechanization and scale.
• Greater financial flexibility for landowners.
• Improved supply chain efficiencies.
• Better disaster planning and response.
• Support for Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP)

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Conclusion

Comprehensive land reforms in India are imperative for economic growth, equity, and resilience, requiring streamlined implementation and inclusive policies to achieve sustainable development goals effectively.