The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, honored State Secretaries and District Collectors and their teams at a ceremony held in New Delhi on July 18, 2023. The occasion marked the presentation of the prestigious “Bhoomi Samman” awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the successful implementation of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
In her address, the President emphasized the significance of accelerating rural development for the overall progress of the country. She highlighted that the modernization of land records is a fundamental requirement for the development of rural areas, as the livelihood of a majority of the rural population is closely tied to land resources. Establishing a comprehensive integrated land management system is of utmost importance for holistic rural development.
The President underscored the role of digitization in enhancing transparency and its profound impact on the nation’s progress. The modernization and digitization of land records will play a pivotal role in the country’s development journey. By digitizing land records and establishing linkages with various government departments, the effective implementation of welfare schemes can be ensured. Furthermore, in the unfortunate event of document loss due to calamities such as floods or fires, digitized land records prove to be invaluable.
Delighted with the progress of the Digital India Land Information Management System, the President highlighted the provision of a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number, akin to the Aadhaar Card. This unique identification number will facilitate the proper utilization of land resources and enable the formulation and implementation of new welfare schemes. Connecting E-Courts with land records and registration databases will yield numerous benefits. The transparency brought about by digitization will effectively curb unethical and illegal activities related to land transactions.
The President emphasized the advantages of easily accessible land-related information. Notably, such accessibility will greatly contribute to the resolution of ownership and land-use disputes. She highlighted that a significant portion of the population is involved in land disputes, resulting in substantial administrative and judicial time consumption. Through digitization and the linkage of information, the President envisioned utilizing the energy of individuals and institutions, which is currently spent on dispute resolution, towards productive development endeavors.
