Transparent land records will strengthen public confidence in admin

The modernisation of land records is an important step towards improving governance, transparency and accountability in Jammu and Kashmir. The progress achieved under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme reflects a sustained effort to bring revenue administration in line with the requirements of a digital age. The computerisation of 882 revenue courts, achieving 100 percent completion, is particularly encouraging. Similarly, 99.93 percent progress in computerisation of Records of Rights and 94.74 percent digitisation of mapsheets, FMBs and Tippans indicate that considerable groundwork has been completed. However, the real success of land records modernisation will depend on how effectively these digital systems address the problems faced by ordinary people. Land ownership disputes, delays in revenue services, inaccurate entries and difficulties in obtaining documents continue to affect citizens. Technology must help reduce these difficulties rather than merely improve official statistics. The zero progress recorded in MRR completion, survey and resurvey, and Aadhaar linking with Records of Rights highlights important areas requiring immediate attention. These components are essential for ensuring that digitised records are accurate, updated and reliable. Without proper verification and regular updating, computerisation alone cannot guarantee dependable land records. The administration must now focus on completing the pending components within a clearly defined timeframe. Revenue officials should ensure that discrepancies are corrected, records are accessible and citizens can obtain services without unnecessary visits to government offices. Land is among the most sensitive public assets, and inaccuracies in its records can lead to prolonged disputes and hardship. A transparent, accessible and reliable land records system will strengthen public confidence in administration. The ultimate objective should be to make land governance simpler, faster and more accountable for every citizen.