Accurate digitized land records help resolve issues, says Union Minister
Comprehensive land surveys and digitization of land records play a crucial role in resolving long-pending disputes and strengthening economic security, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar said during a national workshop held here on Thursday.
The two-day workshop organized by the Ministry of Rural Development focused on land resurvey and digitization efforts across the country under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Andhra Pradesh Revenue, Registrations & Stamps Minister Anagani Satya Prasad participated alongside Dr. Chandra Sekhar as chief guest.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar pointed out that Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and a few other States are progressing at a commendable pace in implementing the land resurvey program. However, to bring uniformity in progress across the nation, the central government organized this workshop, inviting officials from Union Territories and other States to review and accelerate the work.
'Land in our country is more than property — it holds emotional, cultural, and financial significance. Yet, disputes over land often drag on for decades in courts, causing immense hardship to landowners,' Dr. Chandra Sekhar observed.
Recalling his personal experience in the United States, the Union Minister said he was surprised when a property registration was completed within just 15 minutes at his home there. He highlighted the need for India to adopt similar efficiency by using available technology.
'This is the first land resurvey in over a hundred years, and it must be done with utmost care. We are addressing issues like staff shortages and funding constraints, and have instructed officials to complete the survey within the stipulated time using advanced technology,' he added.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar underlined that accurate and updated land records will particularly benefit small and marginal farmers, women, and SC/ST communities. He also lauded the development of Amaravati, describing it as a model capital city in the making.
In urban areas, he stressed the importance of ensuring smooth digitization of land records to enhance transparency and accessibility.
Prominent attendees included Prathipadu MLA B. Ramanjaneyulu, Special Chief Secretary and Chief Commissioner of Land Administration G. Jayalakshmi, Department of Land Resources (DoLR) Secretary Manoj Joshi, and DoLR Director D.N. Joshi.
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