Digital Transformation of Land Records Enhances Access Across 19 States

The digitization of land records in India has reached a significant milestone, allowing citizens in 19 states to download legally valid documents from home. With banks in 406 districts now able to verify mortgages online, the process of accessing credit has been greatly expedited. The Ministry of Rural Development reports that nearly all villages have completed the computerization of land records, while urban land management initiatives are also making headway. The introduction of the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) further streamlines property transactions, enhancing the overall ease of doing business. This article explores the advancements in land record digitization and their implications for citizens and businesses alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 12:15 IST

Significant Advances in Land Record Digitization

New Delhi, Jan 2: Residents in 19 states can now conveniently download legally valid land records that are digitally signed from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, banks in 406 districts have the capability to verify mortgages online, which greatly accelerates access to credit, as reported by the government.

The Department of Land Resources has nearly completed the digitization of essential land records, transitioning land administration from a traditional 'in-line' system to a modern 'online' framework.

According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the computerization of Record of Rights (RoRs) has reached completion in 97.27% of villages across the country, while Cadastral maps have been digitized for 97.14% of the nation. Furthermore, approximately 84.89% of villages have successfully linked their textual RoRs with spatial cadastral maps.

To tackle the challenges of urban land management, the NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) pilot initiative has made significant strides in 157 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Aerial surveys have been conducted in 116 ULBs, achieving 87% of the target, covering an area of 5,915 sq km with high-resolution images.

The Department reported that Ground Truthing has commenced in 72 ULBs, with complete success in 21 cities.

Under the 'Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2025-26', the Department has successfully recommended funding of Rs 1,050 crore to 24 states and Union Territories that have met specific NAKSHA milestones.

Additionally, the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), a 14-digit alphanumeric code based on geo-coordinates, has been introduced as the 'Aadhaar for Land'. By November 2025, ULPIN has been allocated to over 36 crore land parcels across 29 states and UTs.

The ministry also noted that the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) has simplified property transactions, enhancing the 'Ease of Doing Business'.

This system has been implemented in 17 states and UTs, including Punjab, Maharashtra, and Himachal Pradesh. Currently, around 88.6% of Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) are integrated with revenue offices, allowing for the automatic mutation of land records immediately following registration.