Context:
The central government of India has announced significant financial incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative allocates Rs 10,000 crore to assist states in implementing land-related reforms that affect both rural and urban areas. Additionally, a sum of Rs 5,000 crore is dedicated to the creation of a Farmers’ Registry. These funds aim to promote and streamline land management practices and enhance agricultural productivity by improving record-keeping and resource allocation.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- Recent Announcements for Land Reforms
- Major Initiatives for Land Reforms
- Challenges in Land Reforms
- Proposed Steps for Reform
Recent Announcements for Land Reforms
- Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN): Often referred to as Bhu-Aadhaar, these numbers will uniquely identify every surveyed parcel of land in rural areas, helping to prevent land fraud and disputes over land ownership.
- Digitization of Cadastral Maps: Cadastral maps will be digitized to reflect current ownership, with comprehensive land registries being established to facilitate better management and dispute resolution.
- GIS Mapping Incentives: In urban areas, states will receive financial incentives to digitize land records using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
- Development of IT Systems: States are mandated to develop IT-based systems for efficient property record administration, updating, and tax management.
Major Initiatives for Land Reforms
- Historical Context: Prior to independence, land ownership issues were prevalent, with significant control held by zamindars and jagirdars.
- Post-Independence Reforms: Initiated by the appointment of the J.C. Kumarappa committee in 1949, reforms focused on the abolition of intermediaries, tenancy reforms, and the introduction of ceiling limits on landholdings to prevent land concentration.
- Land Ceiling Acts: These acts were established to cap the maximum land one could own, aiming to distribute land more equitably among the population.
- Land Consolidation: Targeted at addressing land fragmentation and improving the management of agricultural land.
Recent Initiatives
- Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP): Launched in 2008, this program aims to digitize and modernize land records, creating a centralized management system.
- Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS): A central sector scheme designed to streamline and standardize land records across various states.
- SVAMITVA Scheme: Launched to map land parcels in rural areas using advanced technologies like drone technology and CORS, facilitating clear land title ownership.
Challenges in Land Reforms
- Resistance from Large Landowners: Hinders the enforcement of land ceiling acts and redistribution policies.
- Outdated Record-Keeping Systems: These systems lead to disputes and complicate the identification of land for redistribution.
- Economically Unviable Small Landholdings: Resulting from the division of land among heirs.
- Declining Average Size of Operational Holdings: As reported in the Agriculture Census, the size has reduced significantly from 1970 to 2015.
- Weak Law Enforcement and Loopholes: Such as the lack of a clear ceiling on family basis, undermining reform efforts.
- Contentious Farmland Acquisition: Rapid development leads to farmer displacement and conflicts.
- Balancing Redistribution and Effective Farming: Ensuring that new owners can farm effectively remains a significant challenge.
Proposed Steps for Reform
- Digitization and Security of Land Records: Employing AI, satellite imaging, and blockchain technology to manage land records efficiently and reduce disputes.
- Enforcing Land Reform Laws: Strengthening enforcement and closing loopholes to improve the implementation of reforms.
- Learning from Successful Models: Adopting strategies from regions like West Bengal and Kerala, where land reforms have been more effective due to strong political will.
- Incentivizing Land Consolidation: Promoting voluntary pooling and cooperative farming models to enhance agricultural efficiency.
- Transparent Land Acquisition Policies: Implementing fair policies that provide adequate compensation and rehabilitation for affected farmers.
- Support for New Landowners: Offering comprehensive support including agricultural training, access to credit, and market linkages to assist new landowners.
-Source: The Hindu
