In recent years, the digitalisation of land records in India has been hailed as a progressive step towards transparency and efficiency. However, this technological advancement has inadvertently exposed Dalit and tribal farmers to significant risks, including the loss of ancestral lands.
In Madhya Pradesh, allegations have surfaced that digitised land records have been manipulated, leading to wrongful transfers of land ownership. Reports indicate that influential individuals have exploited the system to register lands belonging to Dalit and tribal communities in their names without proper authorization. For instance, in Kesli tehsil of Sagar district, discrepancies were found where 33.21 hectares of land, primarily belonging to Adivasis and Dalits, were transferred to others without the orders of the Tehsildar. The agency responsible for the technical aspects of land digitalisation has been criticized for outsourcing work to private firms, leading to systems that do not reflect ground realities. Villagers and tribals often remain unaware when their records are altered, as digital footprints of changes are not visible to the public.
These instances underscore a broader issue: while digitalisation aims to streamline land records, it has also exposed systemic vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The lack of transparency and accountability in the digitalisation process has made it easier for powerful entities to encroach upon the lands of Dalit and tribal farmers.
Advocacy groups and affected communities are calling for comprehensive audits of digital land records and the implementation of safeguards to protect the rights of marginalized farmers. There is a pressing need for policies that ensure digitalisation efforts are inclusive and do not perpetuate existing inequalities.
As India continues to embrace digital technologies, it is imperative to address these challenges to prevent further marginalization of vulnerable communities and to uphold the integrity of land ownership rights.