Answer:

Introduction

Conclusive Land Titling is a convincing system of land titling that specifies actual ownership through land records. The government grants the title and is accountable for its accuracy. Any subsequent claimant must resolve disagreements with the government, not the title holder, once a title has been awarded.

In the present era, India is experiencing a growing call for Land Reforms 2.0, specifically focusing on digitizing land records and implementing conclusive “land titling” to achieve equitable land distribution. They aim to promote sustainable agriculture and boost economic growth thereby contributing to India’s goal of becoming a $5-trillion economy by 2025.

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Role of digitisation of land records and conclusive ‘land titling’ in making India a $5-trillion economy by 2025:

• Enhanced Transparency: Digitization ensures transparency in land transactions, reducing disputes and litigations. For instance, in Karnataka, the “Bhoomi” project digitized land records, resulting in a significant decline in corruption and litigation.
• Improved Investment Climate: Clear and reliable land titles attract domestic and foreign investments. Gujarat implemented the “E-Dhara” system, simplifying property registration and title searches, leading to increased investment in the state.
• Ease of Doing Business: It facilitates easier and faster property transactions, fostering a favorable business environment. Rajasthan’s “Bhulekh” portal, enabling online access to land records, thereby streamlining processes and attracting investments.
• Credit Access: Conclusive land titling allows landowners to use their land as collateral for loans, unlocking capital for business expansion and entrepreneurship as seen in the success of Odisha’s “Patta Chitta” system stimulating agricultural growth.
• Revenue Generation: Proper land titling and digitization lead to increased revenue collection. Andhra Pradesh implemented the “Mee Bhoomi” portal, resulting in higher revenue through efficient land taxation and stamp duty collection.
• Infrastructure Development: Accurate land records and conclusive land titling facilitate large- scale infrastructure development projects, such as highways, railways, airports, and industrial parks. Land acquisition becomes more efficient and less contentious. Example- The digitization of land records and conclusive titling streamlined the process of land acquisition for the DMIC project.
  

Challenges faced in ensuring digitization of land records and conclusive ‘land titling’

• Lack of standardized land records format: For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, land records were often maintained in multiple formats, including manual records, village maps, and computerized data, leading to discrepancies and inaccuracies.
• Poor record management: Inadequate record management systems pose challenges in digitization. For example, in West Bengal, land records were stored in deteriorating physical files, making it challenging to convert them into digital formats.
• Land disputes and litigation: Land disputes are common in India, and resolving them is crucial for conclusive land titling. For instance, in Telangana, the digitization of land records faced hurdles due to numerous pending court cases.
• Data quality and integrity: As accurate and up-to-date data is critical for conclusive land titling. In many States, data quality issues were identified during the digitization process like missing records, incorrect survey numbers, and outdated ownership details.
• Legal and policy reforms: For example, in Assam, the process of land digitization and conclusive titling faced delays due to the need for legislative changes to accommodate indigenous land rights.

Way forward:

• Standardize data formats: Establish uniform data formats and standards learning from Maharashtra’s Integrated Land Management System (ILMS), which standardized land records data across the state to facilitate seamless integration and interoperability.
• Strengthen legal framework: For establishing a conclusive land titling system and provide a legal basis for the transition to digital records. The Rajasthan Urban Land (Certification of Titles) Act, 2016 is a good example.
• Implement a centralized database: Create a National Land Records Management System (NLRMS) to store digitized land records ensuring accessibility to all concerned stakeholders ensuring transparency and ease of access to land records.
• Engage citizens in the process: To ensure their involvement and cooperation in the digitization process. As done by the e-Dhara project in Gujarat by providing online access to land documents and facilitating online mutation application processes.
• Promote interdepartmental collaboration: Foster collaboration between various government departments like registration, revenue, and urban local bodies involved in land administration to streamline the digitization process and ensure data sharing.

Conclusion

By implementing these steps, efficient land administration, reduced disputes, and increased transparency can be achieved. Thereby establishing a robust land governance system, unlocking immense economic potential and paving the way for a $5-trillion economy by 2025.