While digitalisation of land records in India aims to modernize and streamline land administration, it has inadvertently exposed Dalit and tribal farmers to significant risks, including the loss of ancestral lands. The transition from manual to digital systems has not been accompanied by adequate safeguards to protect the rights of marginalized communities.
In states like Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, reports have emerged of digital records being manipulated, leading to wrongful transfers of land ownership. In Kesli tehsil of Sagar district, for example, 33.21 hectares of land, primarily belonging to Adivasis and Dalits, were transferred to others without proper authorization. Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, software flaws in the digitalisation process have facilitated land grabs from tribal and Dalit farmers, with villagers often unaware of changes to their records.
These instances highlight systemic vulnerabilities in the digitalisation process that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The lack of transparency and accountability has made it easier for powerful entities to encroach upon the lands of Dalit and tribal farmers. The absence of physical records and the complexity of digital systems have also made it challenging for these farmers to assert their land rights.
To address these issues, it is crucial to implement comprehensive audits of digital land records and establish robust mechanisms to protect the rights of marginalized farmers. Digitalisation efforts must be inclusive, ensuring that they do not perpetuate existing inequalities but rather serve to empower all farmers equitably.