Examine the role of digitization of land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) in improving land governance in India. What are the key challenges in its implementation?

The DILRMP is a crucial component of implementing land reforms and establishing proof of ownership of agricultural and commercial land. Role of DILRMP in improving land governance: 1. Reduces land disputes by maintaining online records for public use. 64% of litigation is land disputes. 2. Increases policy making efficacy by land data analytics → Helps promote sustainable development of land 3. Aids land zoning and hazard mapping in rural and urban areas 4. Upholds ownership rights of citizens and prevents illegal takeover of land 5. Helps streamline land acquisition for infrastructural projects

However it suffers from challenges: 1. Cyber security risks create issues in data validity and security. - IExaven 2.0 data breach in Karnataka 2. Low digital literacy in rural regions hampers access to digital land records 3. Improper demarcation of ownership leading to overlap of land ownership → causes litigation 4. Inadequate state participation due to allegations of central overreach → legislative → state list topic 5. Infrastructural gaps → Lack of adequate storage and performant data centres to store huge amount of land information.

land ownership → causes litigation 4. Inadequate state participation due to allegations of central overreach → legislative → state list topic 5. Infrastructural gaps → Lack of adequate storage and performant data centres to store huge amount of land information. Hence careful implementation and efficient usage of land record digitization is necessary.

— Varun Tokas · AIR 117