e-Governance in Agriculture

Bhoomi

The collection of land revenue and the existence of the institutions of the State have been co-terminus. A historical analysis of ancient Indian policy suggests that tax on land played a pivotal part in the evolution and maintenance of the systems of governance.

In ancient times land revenue was possibly the only source from which the entire income of the Government was derived. Further, its incidence was on a large section of the population as a major proportion of the people relied on land for their livelihood and existence. Thus, tax on land proved to be the primary source of the State’s wealth. The revenue collected varied from region to region and also depended upon the regimes. Broadly speaking it was a share of the produce paid in kind or cash.

The mode of assessment and collection underwent a change when the British took over the administration. Lands were measured roughly and village records of lands were gradually built up. Thus, closely linked to the collection of land revenue was the creation of an array of land records wherein collection of revenue could be systematized and recorded.

India’s independence ushered in the era of the Welfare state and accordingly ‘ land revenue ‘ or the tax on the agricultural land also witnessed a reduction. Further, other sources of taxation became the primary sources of income for the Government.

However, the importance of land records cannot be undermined due to the fall in the importance of land revenue. The entire structure of land records management that was associated with revenue collection now had to sustain its relevance suo moto. The shrinkage in the relevance of land revenue collection does not undermine the importance of the land records in the governance paradigm.

The plan document of the Seventh Five Year Plan rightly opined.

"Land records form the base for all land reforms and therefore regular periodic updating of land records is essential in all states".

Thus, the concept of collection of revenue necessitated the maintenance of land records, in a rudimentary form in ancient times and a more systematic form during the British administration. Maintenance of land records has now become more vital for administrators and creation of a land information system is one of the key issues facing governance today.

Land records itself is a generic expression and could include, in Karnataka State, records like the Register of lands of Khetwar Patrika, Records of Rights, Tenancy and crop inspection register (RTC)- Form 16, khata register (form 24), Khirdi ( Form 25), Mutation Register ( Form 12), Disputed cases Register (Form 8) and the like…

However, certain type of information relating to land play a very important role. These may include primary information about land presented in terms of its geological information like the shape, size, land forms, soils; economic information related to land use irrigation and crops; and the information pertaining to the legal rights, registration and taxation. No improvement in land can be made without acquiring rights to the land. These rights cannot be acquired until ownership is established.

The rationale for maintenance of land records originates from the following issues:

Land records form the basis for assignment and settlement of land titles. These records must stand the test of legal scrutiny. Land is a very precious source and the land Records system must safeguard the rights of the legal owner of the land.

As all type of data related to land, as explained earlier, is available in these land records, they are used for various planning processes although the manual maintenance of this land record does hinder in effective collation and analysis of the data contained in them.

The need for a sound and efficient land records information data base is beyond debate. The question is how is the State going to ensure the maintenance of a accurate and genuine land records system to further its policy objectives of land reforms, protection of legal rights over land and efficiency in maintenance and updation of these records.

The importance of land and land record in affecting people’s livelihood is an indisputable fact. Issues of land rights not only raise legal complexities but also have socio-economic dimensions. If the State has to address these questions a sound land information management system has to be put in place because information is the key to power.

Whether " Bhoomi" is the answer to these issues only time will tell.