Revamping Revenue Systems

The modernisation and updating of revenue records in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a crucial task. The revenue department’s records are the backbone of the administration. First and foremost, updated records ensure accuracy and efficiency in revenue administration. Outdated records lead to errors, discrepancies, and disputes, which can be avoided by modernising and digitising the records. This, in turn, enhances the overall efficiency of the revenue department, enabling them to focus on more critical tasks. Transparency and accountability are also significantly enhanced by modernised records. Digital records promote openness and reduce the scope for corruption and manipulation. This transparency builds trust among citizens and stakeholders, ensuring that the revenue administration is fair and just. Easy access to information is another significant benefit of modernised records. Digital records enable quick retrieval and access to information, saving time and effort for both citizens and officials. This convenience factor is critical in today’s fast-paced world, where time is of the essence. Citizen convenience is also significantly enhanced by modernised records. Simplified processes for land registration, mutation, and verification reduce the burden on citizens, making it easier for them to interact with the revenue department. In the event of natural disasters, updated records facilitate swift response and relief distribution. Modernised records enable authorities to quickly identify affected areas and individuals, ensuring that relief reaches those who need it most. Finally, modernised records aid in resolving legal disputes and court cases related to land ownership. Accurate and up-to-date records serve as a single source of truth, reducing the scope for disputes and enabling the swift resolution of cases. In this regard, a meeting was recently chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to discuss the modernisation and updating of revenue records across the Union Territory. The emphasis on time-bound digitisation of revenue records, cadastral maps, and quality checks is a welcome move that will go a long way in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of these records. The digitisation of revenue records is long overdue, and it is good to note the Department making progress in this direction. The fact that lakhs of documents have been digitised and nearly 100% scanning of revenue records has been completed is a significant achievement. The geo-referencing of cadastral maps is another significant step that will help in automating the updating of revenue records. However, the issue of missing records, especially maps (mussavis), is a serious concern that needs to be addressed urgently. The Chief Secretary’s directive to register FIRs against responsible persons is a stern measure that will help in ensuring accountability. The integration of digitised records with cadastral maps will enable automatic mutations, reducing the burden on citizens and officials alike. Moreover, the modernisation of revenue records will also facilitate informed decision-making, enable swift response to natural disasters, and aid in resolving legal disputes. While the progress made so far is commendable, there is still a long way to go. The Department needs to ensure that the digitised records are accurate, reliable, and secure.