Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP): Features, ULPIN & Impact on Indian Governance
Introduction: In a significant stride toward transparent governance, the Government of India has achieved near-total digitization of rural land records under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). As of early 2025, over 95% of Record of Rights (RoR) have been computerized, making it a critical topic for UPSC (GS Paper 2 & 3), SSC, and State PSC aspirants.
What is DILRMP?
The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) is a Central Sector Scheme (100% centrally funded since 2016) aimed at creating a modern, comprehensive, and transparent land record management system.
- Evolution: Launched in 2008 as the National Land Records Modernization Programme (NLRMP); revamped and renamed DILRMP in 2016.
- Implementing Agency: Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development).
- Core Aim: To implement a Conclusive Land-Titling System with government-backed title guarantees.
Key Components of DILRMP
The programme modernizes the land administration through three main layers:
- Computerization of Records: Digitizing the Record of Rights (RoR) and registration process to eliminate manual errors.
- Spatial Mapping: Using GIS (Geographic Information System), Drones, and Satellite Imagery for digitizing Cadastral Maps (Bhu-naksha).
- Integration: Linking land records with e-Courts (to speed up litigation) and Aadhaar (to prevent benami transactions).
What is Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN)?
A flagship initiative under DILRMP, the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), popularly known as Bhu-Aadhaar, is revolutionary for rural India:
- 14-Digit Code: An alphanumeric ID assigned to every surveyed land parcel.
- Geo-Coordinates: It is based on the longitude and latitude of the land parcel vertices.
- Source of Truth: Serves as a single, authoritative source of information for land ownership, preventing fraudulent multiple-sales of the same plot.
Significance: Why Digitization Matters
Land is a vital resource; as per the Economic Survey 2023-24, over 45% of India's workforce depends on agriculture. Digitization addresses:
- Reducing Litigation: Nearly 60-70% of civil litigation in India is land-related. Digitized records provide authentic evidence to e-Courts for faster resolution.
- Credit Access: Farmers can easily use digitized titles as collateral for bank loans without running to revenue offices for physical copies.
- Language Barrier Removal: The programme is transliterating records into all 22 Schedule VIII languages, allowing a farmer in Tamil Nadu to view records in Hindi or Marathi.
Static GK: Quick Facts for Exams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Origin Year | 2008 (as NLRMP) |
| Central Funding | 100% (Central Sector Scheme) |
| ULPIN Digit Length | 14 Digits |
| Ministry | Ministry of Rural Development |
| Complementary Scheme | SVAMITVA (for inhabited village areas) |
Challenges & Way Forward
Despite 95% completion, challenges remain including Linguistic Barriers in remote areas, Internet Connectivity, and the need for a Uniform Land Code across states. The future focus is on reaching 100% saturation and integrating land records with the "Farmers' Registry" to streamline subsidies.
