Steps for Implementing Land Reforms in India (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Introduction
- On August 16, 2024, the Indian government announced a significant financial initiative to bolster land-related reforms.
- This move, part of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25, involves substantial funding aimed at modernizing land records and supporting agricultural and urban land management.
- This article outlines the new measures, their significance, challenges, and how these reforms will be implemented.
Why in News?
- The Indian government has committed to providing Rs 15,000 crore in total for land-related reforms in the 2024-25 financial year.
- This includes Rs 10,000 crore to incentivize states for implementing land reforms in rural and urban areas and Rs 5,000 crore for creating a Farmers' Registry.
- This initiative reflects the government's focus on improving land management systems across India.
Promises Related to the Land Reforms in the Union Budget 2024-2025
The 2024-25 Union Budget outlines several key land reforms:
Rural Land Reforms:
- Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN): Assigning unique identification numbers or Bhu-Aadhaar to all land parcels.
- Digitisation of Cadastral Maps: Updating land records with digital maps reflecting current ownership.
- Land Registry Establishment: Creating a comprehensive land registry system.
- Farmers Registry Linkage: Connecting land records with a registry of farmers to streamline agricultural services.
Urban Land Reforms:
- Digitisation and GIS Mapping: Digitising urban land records and implementing GIS mapping to improve land management.
- IT-Based Property Record System: Developing an IT-based system for property record administration and tax management to enhance financial health of urban local bodies.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Agriculture:
- Digital Survey of Kharif Crops: Implementing a digital survey in 400 districts to integrate land details into a land registry.
- Credit and Agricultural Services: Facilitating better access to credit and agricultural services through improved land data management.
Significance of Land Reforms
Implementing these reforms is crucial for several reasons:
- Enhanced Land Management: Improved land registries and cadastral maps will provide better insights into land use, enforce building codes, and evaluate risks related to natural disasters.
- Understanding Emissions: Accurate land-use information is essential for assessing India’s emissions inventory and environmental impact.
- Agricultural Efficiency: Linking land records with a farmers’ registry will streamline access to credit and agricultural services, boosting rural economies.
Challenges Towards Implementing Land Reforms
Despite the benefits, several challenges need to be addressed:
- Historical Limitations: Efforts to develop land maps since the 1980s have faced hurdles, including lack of standardization and issues with manual digitization.
- Geographical Data Standards: Maps have not been properly georeferenced, leading to inconsistencies. Different states use various mapping projections, making it difficult to integrate data.
- Technology and Institutional Support: Implementing GIS data standards, upgrading technology, and establishing effective institutional frameworks at state and city levels are critical for success.
What is the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25?
The Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment was first introduced in 2020-21 to boost capital expenditure by states. The 2024-25 version of the scheme provides:
- Interest-Free Loans: States receive 50-year interest-free loans for capital investment projects.
- Allocation: An overall allocation of ₹1.30 lakh crore for capital investments.
- Mandatory Conditions:
- Retention of Scheme Names: States must retain the official names of centrally sponsored schemes (CCSs) to access capex loans.
- Central Share of Interest: States must deposit the central share of interest earned into the Consolidated Fund of India by March 31, 2024.
Recommended Steps Forward:
- Standardize Data Practices: Develop and implement standardized GIS data practices and interoperability across states.
- Strengthen Technology Support: Invest in technology upgrades and support systems to ensure effective implementation.
- Enhance Institutional Frameworks: Establish clear institutional arrangements and single nodal agencies to manage and coordinate land reform initiatives.
Conclusion and Way Forward
- The implementation of land reforms is a pivotal step towards modernizing India’s land management systems.
- By addressing historical challenges and leveraging significant financial assistance, the government aims to enhance efficiency in land use, improve agricultural support, and strengthen urban planning.
