Computerisation of land records in urban Punjab – a mere plan or reality?

The long-awaited computerisation of land records in urban Punjab still remains in the planning phase as no concrete measures in this regard have been taken as yet. Deep-rooted patwari culture has become a major woe for property buyers and sellers, and the computerisation of land records can, to some extent, curb the problems created by this culture. So the government, which is taking its sweet time, needs to show some serious resolve on this project and get it done once and for all.

Another plan on cards to computerise land records in Punjab

The Punjab government has planned to introduce the Urban Land Records Management System (ULRMS) to computerise land records in urban Punjab. A high-powered committee has been set up to execute the task. Former law minister Mr Rana Sanaullah will be governing the committee and officials from other important departments including the Board of Revenue will act as members of the committee.

Board of Revenue Member Mr Nadeem Ashraf recently told reporters that the committee was being set up to prepare proposals and to harmonise and standardise existing land-record management systems followed in the cities. He also said no uniform policy was being followed to manage land records in urban areas across Punjab and the proposed system would control land records under a uniform policy.
Reportedly, the computerisation of land records will cost Rs 5 billion to the provincial exchequer. The URLMS is being introduced in Punjab for the first time with the aim of taking on the major challenge of curbing land fraud in the urban areas of the province.

Patwaris may not be in favour of land record computerisation because it could spell the end to their well-known monopoly on corruption in the real estate market, but hey, the rest of us could sleep better at night if this project is executed in the right way.

However – and that’s a big however – it remains to be seen whether the computerisation of land records in urban Punjab is merely another plan from the government or if this time the government is serious about getting this done. It may seem like a trivial matter to some, but those with a stake in the real estate sector are likely to breathe a sigh of relief this works out. Let’s hope for the best.