In a heartfelt commitment to supporting its citizens, the Meghalaya government encourages residents seeking land information to approach trusted offline government channels, where dedicated officials provide compassionate assistance to ensure clarity and fairness. While the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) holds a hopeful promise of long-term improvements in transparency and accessibility, experts gently remind us that full implementation will require patience.
Unfolding over several years to benefit all. With care and vigilance, citizens are warmly advised to rely solely on official offices and steer clear of third-party claims of instant online access, safeguarding their rights and fostering trust in the journey toward a more inclusive and transparent system.
The Meghalaya land records system remains largely offline, requiring citizens to access information through government offices despite efforts under India’s national digitisation programme. Officials say digital services are planned but not yet operational for most districts.
Current Status of Meghalaya Land Records
The Directorate of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS), operating under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department of Meghalaya, maintains official records of ownership, boundaries, and cadastral maps.
Unlike states such as Maharashtra or Karnataka, which have introduced fully functional online “Bhulekh” portals, Meghalaya has yet to digitise and publish its land records. According to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) progress reports, no district in the state currently offers online access to computerised records of rights (RoR).
Officials confirm that digitisation work is ongoing. “We are committed to bringing transparency and efficiency to land management through technology, but the process requires time due to the unique landholding systems in Meghalaya,” a DLRS representative said in a recent briefing.
Why Digitisation Has Been Slow
Experts point to several factors behind the delays.
- Customary landholding practices: Much of Meghalaya’s land is governed by traditional tribal institutions, which complicates standardised record-keeping.
- Legal framework: The state operates under the Meghalaya Land Survey and Records Preparation Act, 1980, which requires physical surveys and manual documentation before digital migration.
- Technical and resource challenges: Officials cite limited manpower and geographic hurdles, particularly in rural and hilly areas, as barriers to faster progress.
According to a report by the Ministry of Rural Development, while mapping and survey activities have begun in select regions, the conversion to digital databases will take several years.
How Citizens Can Check Land Records Today
For now, residents must follow an offline process to verify land details.
- Identify location: Citizens need the district, village, and survey or plot number.
- Visit the DLRS or Revenue Office: Applications must be made in person at the local revenue branch.
- Request specific documents: These may include cadastral maps, title records, or mutation details.
- Provide supporting documents: Applicants are often required to submit sale deeds, proof of possession, or prior ownership records.
- Await verification: Revenue officials process requests manually, which may take days or weeks depending on the case.
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Comparison with Other States
Across India, states such as Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha have operational online portals that allow citizens to instantly check land records and cadastral maps.
Meghalaya’s absence from this group highlights the uneven progress of the DILRMP, a scheme designed to modernise land governance nationwide. A senior policy researcher at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) told The Hindu last year that “fragmented legal systems and state-specific challenges mean digitisation is progressing at very different speeds across India.”
Government Outlook
The state government has reiterated its commitment to modernisation. Officials say pilot digitisation projects have been initiated in select areas, with plans to gradually expand coverage.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has indicated that once digital infrastructure is in place, citizens will be able to check ownership records and boundary maps online, similar to services in other states.
