Why in news?
On 31 December 2025 the Ministry of Rural Development launched Land Stack, a pilot platform in Chandigarh and Tamil Nadu that integrates land records using geographic information systems (GIS). The portal aims to provide single‑window access to ownership, cadastral maps, revenue and registration data for citizens, governments and lenders. A multilingual Glossary of Revenue Terms was released alongside the platform to harmonise terminology across states.
Background
Fragmented land records have long hampered property transactions and infrastructure planning in India. The Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) has been digitising and linking textual and spatial records for more than a decade, but many datasets remain scattered across departments. Land Stack is inspired by successful initiatives in Singapore, the United Kingdom and Finland that integrate land information in a single portal. By overlaying registration, mutation, taxation and planning layers on a common GIS base, the platform promises transparency and efficiency.
Key features
- Integrated layers: Users can view cadastral maps alongside ownership details, encumbrances, land use plans and development permissions in one place.
- Single‑window access: The portal eliminates the need to visit multiple offices for property information, making it easier to verify titles before purchase or mortgage.
- Risk reduction: By providing up‑to‑date data on legal status and planning restrictions, Land Stack reduces the chances of buying unauthorised or disputed property.
- Data‑driven governance: Government agencies can use the platform to plan infrastructure, assess land values and coordinate projects across departments.
- Glossary of revenue terms: The glossary standardises land‑administration vocabulary across Indian languages, reducing confusion for citizens and officials.
Significance
- Greater transparency: Easy access to authentic land records builds trust between citizens and government and helps curb fraud.
- Empowered citizens: Farmers, homebuyers and businesses can make informed decisions without intermediaries.
- Improved inter‑departmental coordination: Digital integration facilitates cooperation among revenue, registration, planning and financial institutions.
- Major e‑governance reform: Land Stack is an important step toward modernising India’s land markets and easing property‑related transactions.
Conclusion
The pilot launch of Land Stack demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparent and accountable land governance. As the platform scales up, feedback from users will be crucial to refine features, ensure data accuracy and protect privacy.
Source: PIB
