🔆 Question: Digitization of land records is a commendable initiative, but it also presents certain challenges that require attention. Discuss. 📍 Answer ✅ Introduction Significance: Access to reliable land records is critical for economic growth and minimizing disputes. Digitization offers transparency and efficiency in land management. India’s Context: Historically, India has faced challenges like outdated records and fragmented systems, impacting development. ✅ Benefits of Digitization 🌾 Reducing Litigations: Land disputes in India take an average of 20 years to resolve, burdening courts and hindering development. 💳 Boost to Agricultural Credit: Farmers can secure loans faster by using digitized land as collateral. 🏗 Accelerating Infrastructure Development: Updated records enable smooth land acquisition for projects. 🏘 Urban Housing Clarity: Digitized records reduce ownership ambiguity, benefiting urban slums and housing approvals. 🚫 Curbing Benami Transactions: The 2015 Standing Committee on Finance highlighted digitization’s potential in reducing black money. ✅ Challenges in Implementation 📜 Fragmented Legal Framework: Rooted in the Zamindari era, India lacks unified laws for guaranteed ownership. 👷 Manpower Shortage: Inadequate skilled personnel for updating records. 📊 Interdepartmental Synergy: Revenue, survey, and registration departments often work in silos, reducing efficiency. 📡 Digital Divide: Limited digital literacy in rural areas hampers the success of digitization initiatives. ✅ Suggestions 🛰 Technology Adoption: Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for land surveys and data warehouses for central record management. 📞 Centralized Online System: Establish an online land record department for updates and maintenance. 👩‍💼 Capacity Building: Train personnel in state land departments for efficient management. 📢 Awareness Campaigns: Promote digital literacy and awareness in rural areas to bridge the divide. ✅ Conclusion Digitization is a transformative step toward land management reform, but holistic efforts, including legal unification, technological integration, and awareness, are essential to maximize its potential.