Context:
- The Union Government has announced the creation of a digital e-database of farmland to verify fake land claims, detect encroachments, and curb forged documents.
- The announcement was made by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a public interaction in New Delhi.
- The initiative is part of the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details
- Creation of a digital identity for every parcel of farmland.
- Land records will be digitised, verified, and geo-tagged.
- Data will be linked with satellite imagery and maps for accuracy.
Data, Targets, Schemes Mentioned
- Implemented under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).
- Focus on land ownership verification, claim validation, and dispute reduction.
Stakeholders Involved
- Union Government
- State Governments
- Revenue and Land Records Departments
- Farmers and Landowners
- Survey and Mapping Agencies
Significance / Applications / Concerns
- Prevents fake land claims and encroachments.
- Ensures transparent and tamper-proof land records.
- Facilitates credit access, crop insurance, and compensation.
- Concerns regarding data privacy, implementation capacity, and coordination between Centre and States.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Inaccurate and fragmented land records leading to disputes and fraud.
- Causes: Manual records, outdated surveys, lack of real-time verification.
- Government Initiatives:
- Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP)
- SASCI Scheme-linked reforms
- Benefits:
- Improved land governance
- Reduced litigation
- Faster service delivery
- Challenges:
- Digitisation errors
- Capacity constraints at state level
- Inclusion of marginal farmers
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- Land is a State Subject under the Constitution.
- Centre supports states through financial incentives and schemes.
- Keywords & Concepts:
- Land governance, digitisation, geospatial mapping, property rights.
- Static Linkages:
- Role of accurate land records in agricultural reforms, credit flow, and rural development.
- Way Forward:
- Capacity building of state revenue officials
- Robust grievance redressal mechanisms
- Data protection safeguards
- Integration with Aadhaar, banks, and insurance systems cautiously
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS II: Governance, Centre–State Relations
GS III: Agriculture, Land Reforms, Digital Infrastructure