Policy Update
Sarah Ansari
The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) is a crucial component of India’s Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). ULPIN is the authoritative source of information regarding any parcel of land or property. This system assigns a 14-digit identification number to each land parcel using its precise longitude and latitude coordinates, derived from detailed surveys and geo-referenced cadastral maps. Based on international standards, it complies with the Electronic Commerce Code Management Association (ECCMA) standard and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standard.
Set to become the most extensive database of land ownership worldwide, this groundbreaking project is being developed by the Department of Land Resources. Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the ULPIN is a unique alpha-numeric ID, containing details such as the plot size and its longitude and latitude. There exists a formula for generating and assigning a 14-digit unique ID, known as the “Property Natural Identifier Unit” (PNIU), based on the parcel’s geo-referenced coordinates of its vertices. This computationally derived unique ID is inherently linked to the parcel’s vertices expressed in latitude and longitude coordinates. The “Property Natural Identifier Lot” (PNIL) and the unique ID (PNIU) spatially reference the surface area of the parcel.
Importance of ULPIN
Due to the complex Indian landscape, issues like fragmented land holdings, disputed ownership and lack of transparency have always persisted. In such a scenario, the absence of a standardized system for identifying land parcels has led to various challenges. Some of these challenges include difficulties in tracking ownership, land use, and tax collections.
According to a study, 66% of civil disputes in India are land-related, with the average pendency of land acquisition disputes being 20 years. Further, projects getting halted due to land disputes hurt the country’s GDP by as much as 1.3%.
The ULPIN scheme addresses these challenges by creating a single, unified source for all land record information, providing a complete and detailed picture of land ownership and transactions.
Implementation
Initially rolled out in 10 states in 2021, the ULPIN has now been introduced in all 29 states. Further, Pilot testing of ULPIN has been done in 4 States / UTs- Puducherry, Telangana, Manipur and Andaman & Nicobar Island.
Some States /UTs like Madhya Pradesh, Ladakh, and J&K also use ULPIN in SVAMITVA.
Acclaimed to be “Aadhar for Land” the ULPIN plans to eventually combine its land records database with revenue court records and bank records, along with Aadhaar numbers on a voluntary basis.
The DILRMP Programme has made significant strides in modernizing land records. Key achievements include:
- Computerization of Land Records: 95.08% complete, covering 6,25,062 villages out of 6,57,396.
- Digitization of Cadastral Maps: 68.02% complete, with 2,49,57,221 maps digitized out of 3,66,92,728.
- Computerization of Registration: 94.95% complete, with 5060 Sub-Registrar Offices out of 5329 modernized.
- Integration of Sub-Registrar offices with Land Records: 87.48% complete, covering 4662 offices.
Building on this success, the government has approved a five-year extension for the DILRMP Programme, from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Source: https://dolr.gov.in/ulpin/
Benefits
The benefits of ULPIN are multifaceted.
Firstly, it enhances transparency and accountability in land transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and disputes. This system ensures up-to-date land records and facilitates seamless sharing of information among departments, financial institutions, and stakeholders.
Secondly, it streamlines the process of land acquisition and development, making it easier for governments and private companies to implement infrastructure projects.
The implementation of ULPIN will enable accurate land statistics and accounting, paving the way for the creation of land banks. This, in turn, will facilitate the development of the Integrated Land Information Management System (ILIMS), a comprehensive platform for managing land-related data and promoting efficient land use.
Source: https://www.csm.tech/land–industry/offering/integrated-land-management-information-system/
Thirdly, ULPIN helps in making tax collections more accurate, as it enables the government to track land ownership and usage effectively. It can also lead to tax automation, where assessments and calculations are made based on up-to-date land data. Through the minimization of errors and discrepancies, tax fraud and evasion are also reduced.
By leveraging the ULPIN, the government can improve disaster management and response efforts, as land parcels prone to natural disasters can be identified and pinpointed for efficient resource allocation and strategizing evacuation routes. It also supports post-disaster recovery by providing transparent land usage and ownership records.
Furthermore, ULPIN can be a game-changer for small farmers and marginalized communities, as it provides them with a formal and recognized record of land ownership. This, in turn, can open doors to government support, subsidies, and financial services, leading to enhanced livelihoods, improved agricultural productivity, and greater economic stability. By empowering these communities, ULPIN can play a significant role in promoting social equity and inclusive growth.
Another benefit of the scheme is its cost-effectiveness. For digitizing the land information, as per the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) of 2008, linking Aadhaar with land records via ULPIN will only cost as little as ₹3 while seeding and authenticating the Aadhaar information would cost ₹5.
The introduction of ULPIN is also a vital step forward in India’s journey towards achieving a $5 trillion economy. By creating a robust, efficient, and transparent land management system, India can showcase its investment potential, accelerate economic growth, and achieve sustainable development goals. This will not only enhance India’s global economic standing but also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens.
Limitations
While the ULPIN scheme offers numerous benefits, it also faces challenges that need to be addressed. One major concern is the digital divide, particularly in rural areas, where limited digital literacy, inadequate digital infrastructure, and internet connectivity issues hinder access to digitized land records. This may lead to increased reliance on middlemen, resulting in higher costs for rural populations. Additionally, problems with Aadhaar, such as ID and biometric data mismatches, may impede the linking of ULPIN numbers with the Aadhaar database, affecting beneficiaries.
The implementation of ULPIN may also intersect with the Forest Rights Act (FRA) in forested regions, potentially undermining the rights of forest communities and increasing their vulnerability. Further, as vast amounts of sensitive information are being digitized and stored in centralized systems, it’s essential to prioritize the protection of landowners’ data to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential misuse of their personal information. If implemented hastily, the ULPIN scheme may further complicate land records and related matters, exacerbating existing issues.
Way Forward
The ULPIN is a pioneering initiative that has the potential to transform India’s land management system, bringing about a new era of transparency, accountability, and economic growth. By creating a single, unified system for land records, ULPIN can benefit millions of Indians, reducing corruption, enhancing efficiency, and unlocking the full potential of India’s land resources. This transformative initiative is a crucial step towards building a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable India for future generations.
References
- Bhu-Aadhar : Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) | DEPARTMENT OF LAND RESOURCES | India. (n.d.). https://dolr.gov.in/ulpin/
- ULPIN | National Informatics Centre. (n.d.). https://www.nic.in/products/ulpin/
- Year End Review 2023: Achievement of the Department of Land Resources (Ministry of Rural Development). (n.d.). https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1989671
- Integrated Land Management Information System. (n.d.-b). CSM Technologies. https://www.csm.tech/land–industry/offering/integrated-land-management-information-system/
About Author: This article has been written by Sarah Ansari, a Research Intern at IMPRI. She graduated with a BA (hons) Economics in 2023.
Acknowledgement: The author would like to thank Shubhika Rathi, Naushaba, and Geetam for providing valuable insights and suggestions for the article.
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