The Centre on Thursday introduced the operational guidelines for the third phase of the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP 3.0), allocating Rs 565.5 crore for the 2026-31 period. The initiative is aimed at bringing land records, maps, registration systems and related information onto an integrated GIS-based digital platform.
Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while launching the guidelines, said the new phase would go beyond simply digitising individual records and focus on creating an integrated land management system. He said the programme would make it easier for farmers to access institutional credit and reduce the need for repeated visits to government offices.
Chouhan said, “Land is not just a piece of soil; it is the pride of our farmers, the blessing of our ancestors and the identity of future generations.”
Under DILRMP 3.0, states will be allowed to create their own “land stack” by connecting various land-related datasets and systems using APIs. These state-level platforms will eventually serve as the foundation for a federated national land stack, enabling different systems to work together while ensuring that data ownership and control remain with the respective authorities.
The programme will also introduce a 14-digit Bhu-Aadhaar, known as the Unique Land Parcel Identification Number, for every land parcel. It will also provide for complete georeferencing of cadastral maps.
As part of the programme, 75 busy sub-registrar offices will be transformed into registration seva kendras, modelled on the lines of passport seva kendras.
The government will additionally work on digitising older land records, establishing a central registration repository and computerising revenue courts. The NAKSHA initiative, which focuses on urban land mapping, will assist in preparing urban property cards.
The government said the previous phases of DILRMP have already resulted in the digitisation of 99.9% of records of rights and 97% of cadastral maps. In addition, 99% of sub-registrar offices have been computerised.
DILRMP 3.0 will cover all states and Union territories and will receive complete funding from the Centre. Financial assistance will be released in stages based on performance, with progress monitored through a real-time DILRMP-MIS dashboard.
Overall, the third phase aims to connect major land-related databases and systems through a unified digital framework, with implementation by states and Union territories supported by central funding and closely monitored progress.
