Bhu-Aadhar, also known as Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN), is a part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). It will provide a unique identity to all land parcels in rural areas and will be a single source of authentic information. Let’s delve further to understand how it works, its key objectives and implementation status in the country.
How does Bhu-Aadhar work?
The ULPIN/Bhu-Aadhar number is assigned to a plot of land through the following steps:
- Geotagging: GPS technology is used to geotag the plot for easier identification of its precise geographic locations
- Surveying: The next step involves land surveyors, who verify and measure the plot boundaries physically
- Attribute data collection: Land surveyors collect plot details like land owner name, usage category, and area
- Data entry: The acquired details are registered into the land records management system to create a digital record
- ULPIN generation: The system automatically creates a unique 14-digit ULPIN for the plot after successful data collection and entry
Once generated, the ULPIN will be stamped on the owner’s physical land record document and forever attached to the plot. The Bhu-Aadhar number will remain the same even if the land is transferred, subdivided, or undergoes any change.
Implementation status of ULPIN and land records
ULPIN has been implemented in 29 states to date. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Goa, Bihar, Odisha, Sikkim, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Tripura, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Karnataka, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Four states and union territories (UTs), namely Puducherry, Telangana, Manipur, and Andaman & Nicobar Island, have conducted Bhu-Aadhar pilot testing. A few States and UTs, including Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Madhya Pradesh, are also using ULPIN in SVAMITVA.
In terms of land records, currently, 24 of India’s 29 states have computerised land records. Only the four northeastern states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Mizoram have yet to computerise land records fully.
The southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu have already computerised rural land records from 2001 to 2007.
Notably, five Indian states Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have separate land records for properties located in cities and rural areas. The remaining states have only one land record system.
Source: 99acres
Possible challenges in implementing Bhu-Aadhar
Some key challenges in the seamless implementation of Bhu-Aadhar are the different methods for maintaining land records nationwide. These include:
- Lack of synchronisation between the records of the Revenue Department and the Department of Stamps and Registration
- The Revenue Department does not automatically receive a land’s property registration details for online modification
- Many states, primarily those with urban properties, still lack digital land parcel mapping
- Absence of geo-coordinate and approval details for plot layout in title transfer documents for urban properties
Suggestions for effective implementation of Bhu-Aadhar
To ensure the effective implementation of Bhu-Aadhar, industry experts suggest the following:
- Uniformity in data entry across States will be required to maintain consistency in land records for ensuring a successful and effective implementation of Bhu-Aadhar. Moreover, integration with the existing systems for data accuracy and accessibility can also help in fulfiling the objectives of Bhu-Aadhar
- Adequate training for the Government officials and staff on the Bhu-Aadhar system will be needed to ensure smooth operation. Also, awareness campaigns organised by the Government to generate public awareness about the benefits and use of Bhu-Aadhar
- Dedicated investments will be necessary to support the Bhu-Aadhar system and ensure efficient handling of large volumes of data. Additionally, an improved system for better inter-state coordination to address discrepancies and ensure uniform implementation
- Regular audits should be in place to verify data accuracy and system performance for effective implementation of the Bhu-Aadhar
- Enhanced cybersecurity measures will be crucial to protect sensitive land record information from unauthorised access and breaches. Dedicated technical support teams to assist with any system-related issues for effective implementation and operations of Bhu-Aadhar
- The implementation process should be continuously monitored, and dedicated officials should evaluate its effectiveness to make necessary adjustments and improvements.
Also read: How to search State-wise land records online by name?
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Impact of Bhu-Aadhar on real estate
Successful implementation of Bhu-Aadhar can significantly impact real estate. Here is how:
- Bhu-Aadhar will aid in seamless property transactions by increasing transparency, lessening the chances of fraud, and improving record-keeping. As a result, it will create a faster and more efficient process, benefitting all parties involved.
- It will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and delays, guarantee better policy implementation and planning to boost investment and development in the real estate sector.
- With the implementation of Bhu-Aadhar, land disputes related to ownership and encroachments will be decreased.
- Bhu-Aadhar will lead to better property valuation processes, allowing banks to show more confidence in approving loan requests.
Like any other policy, Bhu-Aadhar needs to be carefully planned and implemented. The Central government stated that it will help the States for the successful implementation of Bhu-Aadhar across the country in the next three years. However, only time will bring the limitations and issues with the policy to the surface.
