India's DILRMP Sticks to Conventional Digital Systems Over Blockchain

India’s government has clarified that its flagship land record modernization initiative will not incorporate blockchain technology, despite growing advocacy from some officials and industry experts. The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), launched in 2016, focuses on digitizing land records through conventional digital systems, and no plans are in place to integrate blockchain under the current framework. The clarification came following a parliamentary question by Warangal Congress MP Kadiyam Kavya, who had urged the government to explore blockchain as a tool for improving transparency in agricultural subsidies and land records [1].

In response, Minister of State for Rural Development Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar confirmed that the DILRMP is fully centrally funded and does not include blockchain technology at this stage. He did not mention any pilot projects or timelines for incorporating such innovations, indicating the government’s current focus remains on scaling existing digital systems rather than exploring emerging technologies [1].

The decision reflects a pragmatic approach to digital infrastructure development, with authorities prioritizing proven methods over untested solutions that may lack regulatory clarity or widespread adoption. The DILRMP aims to create real-time, transparent, and updated land records by integrating registration and revenue systems. Despite increasing interest in blockchain’s potential for public sector use—such as in real estate—its implementation in India’s land records system has not advanced beyond conceptual discussions [1].

This choice highlights the government’s emphasis on reliability and scalability in a vast and complex land records system that spans thousands of districts. The administration has opted for a steady, incremental modernization path, aligning with previous statements that stress the importance of cost-effective and practical digital solutions in public projects [1].

India’s reluctance to adopt blockchain in this context also mirrors broader regulatory caution in the country toward decentralized technologies. Recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate, including the seizure of assets in a major cryptocurrency fraud case, underscore a regulatory environment focused on control and consumer protection [3]. While blockchain is often viewed as a tool for accountability and transparency, the government’s current strategy favors centralized digital systems that are easier to manage and regulate.

As the DILRMP continues to expand, the absence of blockchain from its roadmap does not appear to hinder progress. State governments and technical experts remain committed to achieving the initiative’s long-term goals of accuracy, transparency, and accessibility in land records. The decision, while potentially disappointing to blockchain proponents, aligns with a broader vision of a stable and secure digital governance framework in India [1].

Source:

[1] India’s Land Record Reform Won’t Use Blockchain: Government (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/06/indias-land-record-reform-wont-use-blockchain-government/)

[2] Towards a Trustworthy Rental Market: A Blockchain-Based (https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/14/15/3121)

[3] India’s ED Seizes ₹42.8 Cr in Chirag Tomar Crypto Fraud (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/06/indias-ed-seizes-rs-42-8-cr-in-chirag-tomar-crypto-fraud/)