Understanding Land Stack and the Glossary of Revenue Terms

Introduction to Land Stack

Recently, the Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications introduced the Land Stack in pilot locations including Chandigarh and Tamil Nadu. Alongside this, the Glossary of Revenue Terms (GoRT) was also launched, marking a significant step in land administration reform.

What is Land Stack?

Land Stack is an integrated, GIS-based digital platform developed to consolidate all land records into a single, accessible medium. This initiative draws inspiration from successful models implemented in countries such as Singapore, the UK, and Finland. It was launched as part of the Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).

Benefits of Land Stack

• Enables informed decision-making by citizens through integrated access to land-related information.
• Enhances citizen convenience, transparency, and trust in land transactions.
• Reduces the risk of inadvertently purchasing unauthorized or non-compliant properties.
• Improves coordination among various departments and supports data-driven governance.
• Represents a major e-Governance reform in land administration.

Understanding the Glossary of Revenue Terms

The Glossary of Revenue Terms serves as a crucial resource that provides definitions of various land-related revenue terms in multiple languages, including Vernacular, Hindi, English, and Roman scripts. The primary goal of this glossary is to harmonize terminology, making land data comparable and interoperable on a national scale while preserving state-specific terminology. This initiative serves as an authoritative reference for revenue officials, policymakers, judicial authorities, and citizens alike.

Conclusion

The launch of the Land Stack and the accompanying Glossary of Revenue Terms signifies a pivotal shift towards more transparent and efficient land administration in India. These tools will empower citizens and enhance governance in land-related matters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the Land Stack platform?
Answer: The Land Stack platform aims to consolidate land records, enhancing access to information and improving transparency in land transactions for citizens.

Q2. How does the Glossary of Revenue Terms assist users?
Answer: The Glossary provides definitions of land-related terms in multiple languages, ensuring clarity and consistency in land data across different regions.

Q3. Why is GIS important in land administration?
Answer: GIS enhances the visualization and management of land records, enabling informed decision-making and efficient governance in land administration.

Q4. What is the significance of Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme?
Answer: This programme aims to modernize land records, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and effective governance in land administration through digital means.

Q5. How does Land Stack reduce the risk of unauthorized property purchases?
Answer: By providing centralized access to verified land records, Land Stack minimizes the chances of buying unauthorized or non-compliant properties.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is Land Stack primarily designed for?
A) To manage financial records
B) To consolidate land records
C) To regulate property taxes
D) To oversee housing schemes
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which programme is Land Stack a part of?
A) Digital India Initiative
B) Smart Cities Mission
C) Skill India Programme
D) Make in India
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: What does the Glossary of Revenue Terms aim to achieve?
A) Increase property taxes
B) Harmonize land terminology
C) Reduce land disputes
D) Promote urban development
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which country is NOT mentioned as a model for Land Stack?
A) Singapore
B) Finland
C) USA
D) UK
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What is a benefit of using GIS in Land Stack?
A) Reducing land prices
B) Enhancing data visualization
C) Increasing paperwork
D) Limiting access to information
Correct Answer: B