Land Records Modernisation in India: Bihar

This work provides an institutional, legal and policy review of crucial aspects of land records modernisation systems in Bihar. The state’s progress with land records modernisation efforts has been historically slow but in the last few years, it has taken long strides in computerisation of land records and associated processes, and is on the way to a more accessible land information system. Bihar is a significant example to understand that in certain parts of India, issues of land and property ownership are embedded in socio-historical conditions, which can be addressed only in part by current modernisation efforts. The state is undertaking an attempt to address some of these issues through a resurvey, supported by large scale strengthening of capacity, and legislative framework. The ability of the state to address multiple claims in a judicious and timebound manner would determine, to a large extent, how successful these ongoing surveys and computerisation initiatives will be.