Context:

• The Himachal Pradesh government has recently launched a groundbreaking electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) process for land records, marking a significant milestone in land management and transparency. This initiative is poised to transform the way land ownership is verified and managed in the state, addressing long-standing issues related to land disputes, fraudulent transactions, and inefficient record-keeping.

Key objectives of the e-KYC Land Record System

The primary objectives of this innovative initiative include:

Preventing benami transactions:

• One of the most pressing issues in land management is the prevalence of benami transactions, where property is held in the name of another person to conceal the true ownership. The e-KYC system aims to curb fraudulent land transfers and proxy ownership, thereby protecting the rights of genuine landowners.
   

Enhancing transparency:

• The initiative seeks to create a more accountable land ownership verification mechanism. By digitizing land records and making them accessible, the government aims to foster a culture of transparency, where land ownership can be easily verified by all stakeholders.
   

Modernizing land management:

• The e-KYC initiative represents a significant leap towards implementing technology-driven solutions in revenue administration. By modernizing land management practices, the government aims to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Technological implementation

Unique Land Identification

A cornerstone of the e-KYC initiative is the introduction of a unique identification number for each plot of land. This unique identifier will contain comprehensive details about the immovable property, ensuring:

• Precise Land Record Tracking: Each plot can be tracked accurately, reducing the chances of errors in record-keeping.
   
• Elimination of ambiguity in ownership: Clear identification helps in resolving disputes related to land ownership.
   
• Easy verification of land details: Stakeholders can quickly access and verify land information, enhancing trust in the system.

Aadhaar-based verification mechanism

The e-KYC process leverages Aadhaar-based identification, which allows:

• Electronic verification of ownership details: Farmers and landowners can verify their ownership details electronically, making the process more efficient.
   
• Linking of Land Records to Aadhaar numbers: This linkage ensures that land records are directly associated with the rightful owner, reducing the scope for fraudulent claims.
   
• Secure and authenticated verification process: The use of Aadhaar enhances the security of the verification process, ensuring that only legitimate owners can access their land records.