Land Records Information System in India | Digital Land Records

Land has always been one of the most valuable assets in India. But managing land records has historically been complicated, riddled with corruption, tampering, and lack of transparency. Traditionally, land ownership data was maintained manually in registers by revenue officials (patwaris), making it vulnerable to manipulation and disputes.

To address these challenges, the Government of India launched the Land Records Information System (LRIS) under the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). The objective: create a completely digital, transparent, and tamper-proof system of land governance.

Today, LRIS is transforming how citizens, banks, and governments manage property ownership records.

What is the Land Records Information System (LRIS)?

The Land Records Information System (LRIS) is a centralized digital platform that stores and manages land ownership details, records of rights (RoR), crop details, tenancy data, maps, and property transactions.

It is being implemented across all Indian states and union territories under the DILRMP scheme, replacing the old manual records with computerized, easily accessible, and authenticated records.

Through LRIS, citizens can:

• Check Jamabandi (Record of Rights) online
• Download digitally signed land ownership certificates (Fard)
• Verify mutation status (after sale, gift, inheritance)
• Access Bhu Naksha (digital maps with khasra numbers)
• Apply for corrections and updates in records
• Track changes in ownership history

Objectives of Land Records Information System

The LRIS initiative is guided by four major objectives:

1. Transparency – Make all land records publicly accessible online.
2. Efficiency – Simplify property transactions and land verification.
3. Accountability – Reduce dependence on patwaris and minimize corruption.
4. Security – Create tamper-proof, verified digital records with regular updates.

How Land Records Information System Works

The LRIS functions in a stepwise digital workflow, ensuring accuracy and security:

1. Digitization of Records
   Old handwritten Jamabandis, Khataunis, and Khasra records are scanned, verified, and uploaded.
2. Computerization of Registration (NGDRS)
   Property registration data is linked directly with land records to avoid mismatch.
3. Mutation Automation
   Whenever property is sold or inherited, ownership is updated automatically within the LRIS.
4. Integration with GIS Maps
   Land parcels are mapped using Bhu Naksha, showing real-time cadastral boundaries.
5. Online Citizen Access
   Users can search by owner name, khasra number, khata number, or village details.
6. Authentication
   All documents are digitally signed with QR codes, ensuring authenticity.

Key Features of Land Records Information System

• Record of Rights (RoR/Jamabandi): Provides details of ownership, tenancy, cultivation, and revenue liabilities.
• Mutation Services: Tracks ownership change after sale, partition, inheritance.
• Fard Certificates: Downloadable land record extracts, digitally verified.
• Bhu Naksha Integration: GIS-based land mapping with khasra details.
• 24×7 Online Availability: Access anywhere, anytime, without visiting offices.
• Multilingual Portals: Available in Hindi, English, and regional languages.
• Dispute Alerts: Subscription services in some states notify landowners of changes.

Benefits of Land Records Information System

✅ For Citizens

• Easy access to records without bribes.
• Secure ownership proof for bank loans and disputes.
• Time-saving – no need to visit tehsil offices repeatedly.
• Transparent record corrections and updates.

✅ For Government

• Simplified tax and revenue collection.
• Reduced disputes and litigation.
• Better planning of land use and infrastructure.
• Integrated land database for governance and welfare schemes.

✅ For Banks & Businesses

• Quick verification of collateral for loans.
• Reduced fraud in property transactions.
• Simplified land acquisition for projects.

LRIS vs Traditional Land Records System

Feature	Traditional System	LRIS (Digital)
Record Storage	Paper registers with Patwari	Cloud-based digital system
Access	Manual, only at Tehsil office	Online 24/7, anywhere
Transparency	Prone to corruption and manipulation	QR-verified and tamper-proof
Mutation	Delayed, manual	Automated and time-bound
Maps	Paper maps, often outdated	Digital cadastral maps (Bhu Naksha)

Land Records Information System in Indian States

Different states have their own LRIS portals, such as:

• Uttar Pradesh: Bhulekh UP
• Punjab: Easy Jamabandi
• Haryana: Jamabandi Haryana
• Telangana: Dharani Portal
• Madhya Pradesh: MP Bhulekh
• Bihar: Bihar Bhumi Portal
• Odisha: Bhulekh Odisha
• Maharashtra: Mahabhulekh

Each follows the LRIS framework but is customized for state requirements.

Conclusion

The Land Records Information System (LRIS) is a game-changer for India’s land governance. By putting land records online, it ensures transparency, accessibility, and security for citizens while helping the government reduce corruption and disputes.

As LRIS expands nationwide with blockchain and GIS integration, India is moving closer to a future where land ownership is digital, transparent, and corruption-free.

FAQs on LRIS

1. What is LRIS?
LRIS is the Land Records Information System, a digital platform to provide transparent, tamper-proof land records.

2. Is LRIS part of Digital India?
Yes, LRIS is part of the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).

3. How can I check my land record on LRIS?
Visit your state LRIS portal, select district/tehsil/village, and search by khasra number, khata number, or owner name.

4. Can I download land records from LRIS?
Yes, most portals allow downloading digitally signed records with QR codes.

5. Does LRIS help farmers?
Yes, farmers can easily verify ownership, get loans, and protect themselves from fraud.

6. What is mutation in LRIS?
Mutation is the process of updating ownership after sale, inheritance, or gift of land.

7. Are LRIS records legally valid?
Yes, digitally signed records from LRIS are legally valid and accepted in courts.

8. Is LRIS available for NRIs?
Yes, NRIs can check and download their land records from abroad using LRIS portals.

9. How is LRIS different from Bhulekh?
Bhulekh is the state-specific implementation (e.g., Bhulekh UP), while LRIS is the broader national framework.

10. Can LRIS prevent land fraud?
Yes, tamper-proof digital records and QR verification reduce manipulation.

11. Is LRIS free?
Yes, most services are free, though some states may charge for certified copies.

12. Does LRIS include maps?
Yes, LRIS integrates cadastral maps through Bhu Naksha.

13. What role do Patwaris have now?
Patwaris still update records, but LRIS ensures transparency and accountability.

14. Can LRIS help in court disputes?
Yes, certified LRIS records serve as strong legal evidence in property disputes.

15. When will LRIS be fully implemented?
Most states have completed 80–90% digitization; full coverage is expected in the next 2–3 years.