In a major breakthrough for land record management and digital security, the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh has embraced blockchain technology to eliminate tampering risks and enhance accessibility. This new initiative marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards a more transparent and efficient land record system.
Blockchain Technology in Dantewada: A Game Changer for Land Records
Blockchain is no longer just a buzzword. In Dantewada, it’s actively transforming the way land records are stored, accessed, and protected. Over seven lakh records have already been migrated to the Avalanche blockchain, some of which date back to the 1950s. With this shift, the district has effectively eliminated the risk of data manipulation and tampering, offering residents a new level of confidence in the security and authenticity of their land documents.
This bold move follows the efforts of the Chhattisgarh district administration, in collaboration with Zupple Labs, a Bengaluru-based blockchain startup. The adoption of LegitDoc, Zupple’s flagship product, plays a crucial role in securing the land records on blockchain, ensuring that each document is tamper-proof and easily accessible to the public.
The Role of LegitDoc in Blockchain Adoption
What makes this project even more interesting is the fact that LegitDoc isn’t new to government blockchain initiatives. This platform has been used by several state governments, including Maharashtra, where it helped issue blockchain-backed certificates, including caste, diploma, and skill certificates in 2022. The platform has also been integral in promoting e-registration for property transactions in Maharashtra, preventing document duplication and fraud.
Now, Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada is embracing this same technology to secure land records, marking a significant advancement in blockchain for land records. Blockchain technology offers an immutable ledger that cannot be tampered with once a record is added, providing an extra layer of security for landowners.
How Blockchain is Enhancing Land Record Accessibility
Historically, accessing land records in Dantewada was a slow, cumbersome process. People often faced weeks of delays for record verification and document retrieval. But with the adoption of blockchain, this issue is becoming a thing of the past.
Here’s how blockchain-based land records are making a difference:
- Instant Access: Residents can now access their land records on-demand.
- Transparency: The tamper-proof nature of blockchain ensures that all records are accurate and unaltered.
- Improved Efficiency: The time it takes for record verification has drastically reduced, streamlining the entire process.
By digitising these records and securing them on the blockchain, the Chhattisgarh government has made sure that land documents are not only safe from manipulation but are also easily accessible at all times.
The Impact of Blockchain in Dantewada
For many years, Dantewada’s citizens struggled with delays and the lack of accessibility to crucial land documents. The blockchain initiative is set to change this by improving both security and efficiency. According to Mayank Chaturvedi, the IAS officer and district collector, the shift to blockchain has brought a significant improvement in the region:
“For decades, our citizens faced significant delays in accessing their land records, with verification sometimes taking weeks. By digitising these records and securing them on blockchain, we have ensured they are easily accessible and cannot be tampered with,” he said.
This digital transformation is expected to help the district tackle issues related to land disputes, fraud, and other common challenges faced in land management.
Blockchain in Other States and National Plans
Chhattisgarh’s move follows a growing trend of blockchain adoption in India, particularly in land record management. In 2022, the Maharashtra government used blockchain to issue digital caste certificates, diploma certificates, and other official documents, thus ensuring authenticity and reducing fraud. Similarly, Maharashtra also adopted blockchain for property registration to prevent document duplication, another major concern in land dealings.
On a national level, the Indian government has also rolled out several initiatives to promote blockchain technology. In September 2022, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Vishvasya Blockchain Technology Stack, which aims to accelerate the development and deployment of blockchain applications in India. This initiative is part of the National Blockchain Framework, designed to establish reliable, secure, and transparent digital platforms across various sectors.
Tehsil-Level Kiosks to Ensure Easy Access to Land Records
As part of the initiative, the Chhattisgarh government is setting up dedicated kiosks across all tehsils in Dantewada. These kiosks will allow residents to quickly access necessary land documents. With these kiosks, residents can avoid the long waits that previously hindered the timely retrieval of their land records.
The kiosks will be equipped with the LegitDoc app, which allows tehsil-level revenue officers to verify different types of government records, including:
- Mutation logs
- Plot registries
- Ownership details
- Cadastral maps
- Records of rights
By using the LegitDoc app, these records will be instantly accessible, ensuring that landowners can access their documents when needed and without any delays.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Blockchain in Land Records
Dantewada’s adoption of blockchain technology for land records is a groundbreaking initiative, but it’s only the beginning. With more and more state governments turning to blockchain for secure record-keeping, the potential for blockchain adoption in land management is immense. This technology not only improves security and accessibility but also streamlines administrative processes, making government operations more efficient.
As the national blockchain vision continues to grow, we can expect to see further improvements in the way governments manage records. Blockchain-based solutions like the ones in Dantewada are paving the way for more transparent and efficient land management systems across India.
Photo credit: CoinTrust
