The Digital Revolution in Governance has taken a giant leap in India with the digitization of land and healthcare records. This transformative step is not just about putting files on computers. It’s about making life easier, governance more transparent, and services more accessible for over a billion people. Whether you’re a farmer in a remote village or a doctor in a bustling city, the move to digital records is changing how we access, manage, and trust public services.
India, home to the world’s largest democracy, has been leveraging technology to bridge the gap between the government and the people. The digitalization of land ownership and healthcare records stands as a strong pillar of this movement. These changes aim to reduce corruption, simplify bureaucratic procedures, and ensure that vital services reach citizens promptly and efficiently.
Digital Revolution in Governance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Land Records Digitization | 95% of rural land records digitized as of Oct 2024 |
| SVAMITVA Scheme | Drone mapping in 310,000+ villages; 265,000 finalized maps |
| Healthcare Digitization | Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) implemented nationwide |
| ABHA Accounts Created | Millions of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts issued |
| Data Security | Protected under Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 |
| Official Portal | https://abdm.gov.in & https://dilrmp.gov.in |
The Digital Revolution in Governance is reshaping how we interact with essential public services. With land and healthcare records now available at our fingertips, India is setting a global example of using technology for inclusive growth. Whether you’re looking to buy property, seek medical care, or simply verify a record, this digital shift is here to make your life easier and more transparent.
Understanding the Digital Revolution in Governance
Digital governance, often called e-governance, is the use of digital tools and systems to deliver government services more efficiently. For citizens, it means no more standing in long lines or dealing with missing paperwork. For the government, it means better service delivery and data-driven decision-making.
Two of the biggest wins in this area have come from land record modernization and healthcare digitization.
Land Records Go Digital
Why It Matters
Land ownership in India has traditionally been complicated. Paper records were often outdated, tampered with, or lost, leading to disputes and legal battles. The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) launched in 2016, aims to fix this.
What Has Been Done
- Digitization of Cadastral Maps and Land Titles: Over 95% of land records in rural India are now digitized.
- SVAMITVA Scheme: Introduced in 2021, this scheme uses drone technology to survey land parcels in villages.
- Bhudhaar Project: In Andhra Pradesh, each land parcel is given an 11-digit unique ID to prevent fraud and simplify transactions.
- ULPIN Initiative: Inspired by Bhudhaar, the central government is rolling out a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number across India.
Benefits
- Transparency: Everyone can view land records online, reducing bribery and manipulation.
- Ease of Access: Farmers can get loans using verified digital records.
- Reduced Disputes: Accurate records minimize family and boundary disputes.
- Integration with Other Services: Digital land records are now being linked with Aadhaar, banking services, and even crop insurance programs.
“Having my land record available on my phone has saved me countless trips to the tehsil office,” says Ramesh, a farmer from Maharashtra.
Healthcare Records Go Online
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)
Launched to build an integrated digital health infrastructure, ABDM provides every citizen with an Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA). This account stores and shares electronic health records (EHRs) securely.
Key Components
- ABHA (Health ID): Unique 14-digit number for each individual to access their digital health data.
- Health Facility Registry (HFR): Database of all government and private hospitals.
- Health Professional Registry (HPR): List of certified doctors and health professionals.
- Personal Health Records (PHRs): Allows patients to store, manage, and share their medical history.
- Telemedicine Integration: ABHA is now integrated with teleconsultation platforms for remote healthcare delivery.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
- Seamless Care: No more repeating medical history at every visit.
- Data-Driven Treatment: Doctors can make better decisions with access to past records.
- Telemedicine Ready: Supports remote consultations and prescriptions.
- Efficient Health Insurance: Helps in faster claim processing under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Data Protection Measures
- Governed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
- Users have full control over what data is shared and with whom.
- End-to-end encryption ensures confidentiality and safety.
- Consent Architecture: Patients must give digital consent before any data is shared with healthcare providers.
“With my ABHA account, I can show my entire health history to a new doctor without carrying files,” shares Anita, a 52-year-old diabetic patient from Delhi.
How You Can Benefit
For Citizens
- Check land ownership online via state portals or https://dilrmp.gov.in.
- Create your ABHA account at https://abdm.gov.in in minutes.
- Store your prescriptions, lab reports, and medical history safely.
- Use digitized land records for faster loan approvals and government subsidies.
For Professionals
- Doctors and hospitals can register under HFR and HPR to expand their digital footprint.
- Legal professionals get faster access to verified land documents.
- Banking and insurance firms can use digital records to speed up verification.
- Tech entrepreneurs can build services (apps, AI tools) using open APIs under ABDM framework.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to View Land Records
- Visit your state’s land records portal or https://dilrmp.gov.in
- Select your district, village, and survey number.
- Download or print the Record of Rights (RoR).
How to Get an ABHA Account
- Go to https://abdm.gov.in
- Click on “Create ABHA Number”
- Use Aadhaar or mobile number for verification
- Get your 14-digit ABHA ID and start uploading your health documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it safe to store my health data online?
Yes. Your data is encrypted and protected by law under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
2. Can land records be used for legal purposes?
Absolutely. Digitally verified records are admissible in courts and can be used for legal transactions.
3. Do I need the internet to access my records?
Yes, but once downloaded, you can access them offline. Many Common Service Centres (CSCs) also provide assistance.
4. What if my land record has errors?
You can file a correction request online or at your local land records office.
5. Can private hospitals use the ABHA system?
Yes, both public and private institutions are encouraged to join ABDM.
6. What happens if I lose my ABHA number?
You can recover it easily using your registered mobile number or Aadhaar through the official ABDM portal.
7. Are there any costs involved in creating ABHA or accessing land records?
No. Both services are completely free of charge for citizens.
