Chittoor launches blockchain pilot for tamper-proof land records

Chittoor: Chittoor district has started a pilot project using blockchain technology to improve transparency, security, and accountability in land records. District Collector Sumit Kumar informed Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during a video conference held on Thursday that the pilot project has been launched in seven re-survey completed villages of Penumuru mandal—CS Agraharam, Kaligiri, Kondamagraharam, Mopireddipalli, Satambakam, Ammagaripalle, and Tatireddipalle.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the blockchain-based land records system with Collectors from seven districts through a video conference from Amaravati. The Chief Minister said the government has been taking steps to resolve long-pending land issues using modern technology. Earlier it was difficult to trace old land records, but blockchain technology would make land record management and dispute resolution easier.

Sumit Kumar participated in the meeting and explained the progress in the district explaining that every change made to revenue records under the new system will be permanently recorded. Details such as who made the change, when it was made, and what was modified will remain securely stored, improving accountability among officials. Any changes made by revenue or registration officials will have a complete transaction history that cannot be removed.

Speaking to the media later, the Collector said the system will also help during property registration. Before registration, officials can verify the 1-B record, Encumbrance Certificate (EC), ownership history, and previous transactions. This will help confirm the identity of the genuine landowner and reduce the chances of fake registrations or unauthorised changes.

Landowners will receive alerts through SMS, WhatsApp, and phone calls before any changes are made to their land records. The pilot project will be studied over the next one to two months. After reviewing feedback from officials and the public, the district administration plans to expand the system to nearly 50 per cent of villages before considering district-wide implementation.

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The Hans India