Discussion on Land Governance Reforms

Summary of Land Governance Reforms Discussion between Department of Land Resources and World Bank

Key Facts and Figures:

• Date of Meeting: 15 June 2026
• Location: New Delhi
• Participants:
  • Department of Land Resources (DoLR): Secretary Narendra Bhushan
  • World Bank: Country Director Paul Prossi and delegation, including Lead Economist Klaus W. Deininger.

Constitutional and Legal Context:

• The discussions align with the need for effective land governance, which is crucial for fulfilling the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) under Article 39, which emphasizes the right to an adequate means of livelihood.

Importance of Land:

• Land is recognized as one of the most significant assets for Indian families, contributing to:
  • Agricultural productivity
  • Rural prosperity
  • Urban development
  • Financial inclusion
  • Economic growth

Current Challenges:

• Despite being the largest asset for many families, the economic potential of land is not fully utilized.
• There is a need for improved access to institutional credit and secure property rights.

Proposed Solutions:

1. Modern Land Governance Systems:

   • Implementation of transparent, technology-enabled systems.
   • Use of geospatial systems, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms to enhance land administration and service delivery.

2. Capacity Building:

   • Continuous skill development and learning from national and international best practices.

3. Key Initiatives:

   • Modernization of land records.
   • Survey and resurvey operations.
   • Creation of urban property records.
   • Watershed development projects.
   • Ensuring interoperability of digital land systems.

4. Integrated Ecosystem:

   • Development of a system that supports agriculture, loan distribution, planning, and citizen services effectively.

Framework Development:

• Discussion on creating a India-specific framework to evaluate land governance reforms, which would:
  • Standardize progress.
  • Promote best practices.
  • Facilitate evidence-based policy interventions in the land sector.

Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building:

• The World Bank delegation shared international experiences and best practices related to:
  • Land administration
  • Digital land records
  • Institutional strengthening
  • Technology adoption

Commitment to Transparent Governance:

• The Department of Land Resources reiterated its commitment to promoting efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric land governance systems in collaboration with knowledge partners and institutions.

Conclusion:

The meeting emphasized the critical need for reform in land governance to unlock the economic potential of land in India, enhance agricultural productivity, and support overall economic development through a modernized, technology-driven approach.