c pradeep kumar
In crass politicisation of a major transformative initiative undertaken by the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jena Sena have been engaged in a continuous misinformation campaign about the Land Titling Act, sowing confusion and fear among the people.
TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and JSP president Pawan Kalyan have accused Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of planning to seize land through this Act, a claim baseless and unfounded. Interestingly, while the Central government has spearheaded the implementation of the Act and NITI Aayog formed a committee in 2019, the TDP and JSP have chosen to target the YSRCP instead of seeking clarification from their ally, the BJP.
Understanding Land Titling Act
This Act represents a step forward, aiming to resolve land disputes that often arise due to various discrepancies such as land extent, subdivision issues, outdated records, and lack of surveys. The Act seeks to empower individuals seeking to purchase land, ensuring clarity and transparency in land ownership. It aims to streamline the process, minimising the need for governmental intervention in land matters and providing a permanent solution through title insurance in case of future disputes.
Shifting to clear land titles
India embarked on the journey towards clear property titles on August 21, 2008, transitioning from the presumptive property titles to the Torrens system, akin to systems in other countries. This move requires the modernisation of land records management and property registration systems, a goal supported by the State governments and spearheaded by the Department of Land Resources under the Ministry of Rural Development.
Role of NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog has vital a pivotal role in formulating the Modern Act on Conclusive Land Titling. A committee comprising senior IAS officers finalised a model Act for Conclusive Land Titling on November 25, 2019, after thorough consideration of available documents.
State govt’s efforts
The State government is actively engaged in completing the statewide survey, with 15,000 surveyors deployed in village and ward secretariats. Boundary stones are being set, records updated, and subdivisions initiated to ensure farmers receive their rightful share of land.
While the survey has been completed in 6,000 revenue villages, efforts are underway to cover all 17,000 villages shortly. Every farmer will have accurate records of their land, updated with full rights, ensuring their land rights are protected.
Addressing false campaigning
Despite these efforts, the Opposition has resorted to spreading false information about the Land Titling Act. The YSRCP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India regarding these misleading campaigns by the TDP, urging swift action by the law.
The Land Titling Act represents a crucial reform aimed at resolving land disputes and empowering landowners. Political discourse must focus on constructive dialogue and informed debate rather than misinformation and baseless allegations.
