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The digitisation of land records in J&K is an important step towards improving transparency and reducing disputes. But putting old and flawed revenue records into a digital system does not automatically make them correct. A wrong record, when digitised, remains a wrong record.
The real challenge lies in fixing errors in the revenue records before, or alongside, digitisation. Land records often contain mistakes in names, ownership details, boundaries, inheritance entries, survey numbers and other particulars. For families, these are not minor clerical issues. They can affect property rights, inheritance, access to land and even years of litigation.
The government’s focus should therefore move beyond simply converting paper records into digital databases. Digitisation must be accompanied by a serious verification and correction exercise. Every record should be checked against available documents, field realities and claims of concerned landholders.
The process must also remain accessible to ordinary citizens. Many people, particularly in rural areas, may not have the technical knowledge to identify errors in online records or understand the procedure for seeking corrections. Revenue offices should provide simple mechanisms to report discrepancies, track applications and receive decisions within a defined timeframe.
Technology can make the process faster, but technology alone cannot resolve disputes over land. Officials still need to examine evidence and conduct field verification wherever required. A digital record should carry greater credibility because it has been properly verified, not simply because it appears on a computer screen.
There is also a need for accountability. If an error continues in the record despite being brought to the attention of the authorities, citizens should have a clear avenue for appeal and correction. Delays in rectifying basic revenue mistakes can push people towards courts, adding pressure to an already burdened justice system.
The government should consider a time-bound revenue record correction drive alongside digitisation. Special camps can be organised at the village level. People can be given an opportunity to verify their records and submit corrections. Pending disputes can be categorised and dealt with through appropriate legal and administrative channels.
A modern land record system should achieve three things: accuracy, accessibility and transparency. Digitisation can provide the technological foundation, but accurate records require administrative effort and public participation.
The objective should not be to create digital records merely for the sake of modernisation. The objective should be to create reliable records that people can trust.
J&K needs digital revenue records, but first it needs correct revenue records.
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