Let digital land services be hassle-free

In the current scenario, the number of pending cases in the country is approximately 4 million. The majority of these cases, about 60 percent, are related to land disputes involving various types of opposition. Alongside this, it can be observed that behind both civil and criminal cases, there lies conflict regarding ownership and distribution of land. So, based on the pattern of family conflicts, various types of criminal activities often result in legal cases or lawsuits. Many of these cases often stretch over years. But why do conflicts arise over land and incidents of legal cases occur?

So, to address social and familial problems related to land ownership and ensure hassle-free services, the government is transforming land management into digital methods. However, the corruption that was entrenched in land management has not completely disappeared and may still persist.

Today, Sunday (March 10), a report published in the media suggests that although there has been talk of digitization in the field of land registration, the reality is different. The Ministry of Land announces that digitization has been implemented in all areas to reduce the suffering of service recipients. However, customers are experiencing harassment gradually in the case of land and flat mutations.

After scanning the necessary documents for mutation online, customers are still required to submit hard copies of those documents to the local AC land office. Upon receiving the application, the AC land office assigns a date for hearing. Although SMS notifications are sent regarding this matter, there is no mention of when the hearing will take place. Despite waiting all day at the service center, many service seekers do not receive a hearing date on the same day. Some are asked to reapply. Moreover, accurate information regarding these matters is not available online. Allegations have arisen that step by step, traps of harassment are set to extort bribes.

Victims say that when they go to Ac land office to apply for mutation, they meet people who are looking for opportunities. Bribe was demanded at one stage after hearing about various troubles. On the other hand, the auditors of the revenue department of the Ministry of Land are not able to audit the activities of the Ministry due to the inconsistent activities of digitization. Audit cannot be conducted due to non-availability of online access to view required documents.

To buy or sell land, register, get mutation, deed, land records, pay taxes, obtain land survey, etc., ordinary citizens have to undergo extensive harassment. Therefore, digital land management should be implemented in such a way that citizens do not face any kind of harassment. Furthermore, efforts must be made to eradicate corruption, irregularities, and the influence of powerful quarters in the land office, with the goal of expediting the resolution of pending cases related to land disputes. Additionally, under the Prime Minister's guidance, land management needs to be made more proactive to ensure the welfare of ordinary landowners. This is the expectation.