Inaccurate and outdated land records are causing disputes: Pemmasani
Central Govt. to take up a centrally coordinated and technology-driven survey and re-survey of lands
To be implemented in five phases, starting with 3 lakh sq. km. of rural agricultural land
National Workshop on Survey/Re-survey under DILRMP inaugurated at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh
AMARAVATI, MAY 15, 2025: Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Chandrasekhar Pemmasani has urged the states to complete the integration of Aadhaar numbers with Records of Rights (RoRs) — a reform that will help link land ownership with a unique digital identity, eliminate impersonation, and ensure targeted delivery of benefits such as Agristack, PM-KISAN and crop insurance.
While inaugurating a two-day National Workshop on Survey/Re-survey under Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) at Guntur in Andhra Pradesh ON Thursday, the Union Minister has said the reforms like resurvey, digitization, paperless offices, court case management and Aadhaar integration — will create a comprehensive and transparent land governance ecosystem. Stating that proper surveys unlock the economic potential of land when the records match ground reality, banks can confidently extend credit, businessmen can invest with certainty, and farmers can access agricultural support.
Stating that the Central Government is committed to complete the long pending task of providing clear, conclusive and current land records, the Minister has said the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) was conceived to transform land governance through digitisation, integration and modernisation with technology. “If we want fast highways, smart cities, safe housing, and sustainable agriculture, we must start from the ground — quite literally”, the Minister has said.
Though substantial progress has been made under the DILRMP, a major pending component – survey and re-survey has so far been completed in only four per cent of villages, as this task is a mass administrative, technological and public engagement exercise, he said.
Shri Chandrasekhar has said land is not just a physical asset in India. It is a symbol of identity, security, and dignity. For nearly 90 per cent of our citizens, land and property represent their most valuable possession. Yet, inaccurate or outdated land records have long been the root cause of widespread disputes, delays in development, and denial of justice. Our judicial statistics speak volumes — over 66% of civil cases in lower courts are related to land and property disputes. Even in the Supreme Court, a quarter of all pending disputes are land-related. Therefore, this is a challenge to the very idea of inclusive development, he said.
Stating that our earlier surveys were conducted over 100 years ago — between 1880 and 1915 — using tools like chains and cross-staffs, the Minister said in many parts of the country, especially the North-Eastern States and Union Territories, original cadastral surveys were never even completed. States that attempted surveys found that the process involved huge manpower for ground truthing, draft map publication, objection resolution, and final notification, he said.
“Many States have not carried out map-based subdivisions or kept spatial records in sync with textual updates, making the current cadastral maps obsolete. Our experience shows that without political will and strong coordination, surveys lose momentum and remain unfinished. That is why the Government of India has resolved to take up a centrally coordinated exercise which will bring land records into the 21st century”, Shri Chandrasekhar said.
Explaining further about the centrally sponsored programme, the Minister said it would be technology-driven – leveraging aerial surveys through drones and aircraft, at just 10 per cent of the cost of traditional methods. It will also use AI, GIS and high-accuracy equipment. It would be cooperative with the states conducting ground-truthing and validations while the Centre provides policy, funding, and technological backbone. The programme will be implemented in five phases, starting with 3 lakh sq. km. of rural agricultural land, over 2 years, with an outlay of Rs.3,000 crore for Phase I.
The Minister has informed that the Central Government is also undertaking NAKSHA — a pioneering initiative for Urban and Peri-Urban Land Records. More than 150 Urban Local Bodies are already being covered. Urban land values are high, transactions are frequent, and high rises are coming up. These are leading to more disputes and informal settlements. Therefore, accurate records are critical for urban planning, affordable housing, and municipal revenue”, Shri Pemmasani stated.
Stating that the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) is encouraging the states to make their registration systems and Revenue Court Case Management system (RCCMS) online and paperless, adopt automated workflows, and enable anywhere access for citizens and officials, the Minister said it will help to track and manage land-related court cases, bring accountability and reduce delays.
The Minister said accurate surveys help the most vulnerable among us. For small and marginal farmers, tribal communities, and rural women, clear land titles are not luxuries but essential protections against exploitation. Let us move forward as Team Land Records — Centre and States together — to complete this long-pending task for the people of India. Let us build a nation where land is no longer a source of confusion and conflict, but of trust, security, and prosperity. The journey from Bhu-vivad to Bhu-vishwas begins with us — and the time to walk that path is now, he added.
Among others, Anagani Satya Prasad, Minister of Revenue, Registration & Stamps, Government of Andhra Pradesh, G. Jaya Lakshmi, Special Chief Secretary and Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, Manoj Joshi ji, Secretary and Kunal Satyarthi, Joint Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Govt. of India, several senior officers from the Centre and States, experts and field practitioners were present.
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