In a significant move, the Karnataka government has identified 11 small cities and towns where urban land reforms will be implemented, with the Union government providing fiscal incentives to support the initiative. These reforms, which include digitising land records through spatial mapping and setting up an IT-based system for property record administration, aim to revive the Urban Property Ownership Records (UPOR) project, a long-stalled initiative designed to issue definitive property titles.
UPOR and Its Potential Impact
The UPOR project is a unique titling system where property owners receive property register (PR) cards. These cards contain essential details such as spatial information, land area, ownership rights (including mortgage or lease), and the transaction history of the property. The objective of UPOR is to create an authoritative and clear property ownership record that significantly reduces disputes, as the current system of presumptive ownership is prone to legal challenges and confusion.
With the introduction of property titles, Karnataka is looking to make land ownership more transparent and legally sound. The state government believes that implementing UPOR in these select towns could create a robust foundation for wider adoption across Karnataka. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda expressed optimism that these reforms could rejuvenate UPOR, which faced roadblocks during the previous BJP government. “In Shivamogga, for instance, property cards were ready but were stopped. In Bengaluru, around four lakh draft PR cards are also ready,” Gowda revealed.
Incentives from the Union Government
The Union government has pledged Rs 5,000 crore as an incentive for states pursuing urban land reforms under the Scheme for Special Assistance for Capital Investment 2024-25. Karnataka has seized this opportunity by selecting 11 cities and towns with populations below two lakh: Kolar, Chikkamagaluru, Basavakalyan (Bidar), Puttur (Dakshina Kannada), Gokak (Belagavi), Siruguppa (Raichur), Bagalkot, Bhagyanagar (Yadgir), Bogadi (Mysuru), Boragava (Belagavi), and Anavatti (Shivamogga).
The Role of Technology in Land Reforms
One of the core aspects of these reforms involves using advanced technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of land record-keeping. Gowda explained that the Union government has recommended the adoption of 3D imaging technology. This approach not only captures ground-level spatial data but also provides vertical data, giving municipalities a comprehensive view of urban growth and development.
By integrating 3D imaging with cadastral mapping and IT-driven administration systems, the state hopes to generate property cards that give precise details about property dimensions and ownership. This can provide municipalities with a clearer picture of urban expansion, assisting in planning, governance, and infrastructure development.
“The focus on technology, especially 3D imaging, will allow us to take urban land reforms to the next level,” Gowda noted. “This initiative will not only modernise how land records are maintained but also provide local governments with the tools they need to manage urban development more effectively.”
Streamlining Urban Property Ownership
Minister Gowda underscored the importance of urban land reforms as a crucial element of India’s future. With the expectation that nearly 60% of the country’s population will live in urban areas by 2050, effective land administration will be essential for sustaining India’s urban growth. “Streamlining urban property ownership is critical, and the UPOR project is key to this. We are committed to implementing these reforms correctly to ensure long-term success,” Gowda said.
The minister also expressed the state’s determination to avoid any missteps in the rollout of these reforms, pointing out that effective implementation would prevent the need for future corrections. “We don’t want to go one step forward and take two steps back. It’s vital that we do these reforms properly from the start,” he emphasised.
Conclusion
Karnataka’s decision to launch urban land reforms in 11 small cities is a promising step towards resolving longstanding issues of land ownership and property disputes. By digitising land records, incorporating advanced spatial mapping technologies, and reviving the UPOR project, the state government aims to bring clarity and transparency to property ownership, benefiting urban dwellers and local authorities alike. As these reforms progress, they could become a model for other states in India to follow, helping to modernise urban land administration across the country.