A journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step. It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you are not stop. Since the 18th Amendment powers have largely been devolved to provincial governments, resulting in an atmosphere of competition among provinces being envisaged. The good thing is that Punjab is taking lead in many areas of development which is a positive sign. The main reason for this was so obvious, digital reforms are underway in Punjab, with land record automation at the fore. Punjab is moving forward with full diligence. The centuries old outdated system is being changed. In recent months, Punjab has significantly taken practical steps to make land transfer easier and more transparent. Customers can now avail the facility of land transfer at home. E-registration is completely self-driven computerized service delivery all its steps can be completed without human interaction. With the provision of such facility it can help diaspora living abroad for sale and purchase of property without falling into fear. The digitized map of complete Punjab land is developed. A land record survey is being conducted by going to people’s doorsteps to safeguard the rights of the people. This will ensure the protection of people’s rights. Along with this, the process of division of joint khewat land to protect the rights of women is also going on rapidly. By which women will not be deprived of inherited land. The computerization of urban land is also being completed. This shift towards technology-driven governance has had a profound impact on various sectors, particularly land administration. The province’s efforts to modernize its land records have not only streamlined processes but have also contributed to economic growth, reduction in litigation and social development. This will greatly benefit the government exchequer. With these measures, the national treasury received more than 46 billion in just one financial year. The Punjab reaping the benefit of its biggest technology driven service delivery project by providing services to more than 3.5 million customers within a single fiscal year.
The reform agenda is underway in Punjab, with rapid progress in the last few months to include women in the development stream, division of joint family land, computerized record of urban land, housing societies. Linking the record of housing societies into an integrated system, integration the systems of FBR, Board of Revenue Punjab, Excise and Taxation is the need of hour and these are the unprecedented step towards sustainable development. Which is of course a huge step forward in a country like Pakistan. From this perspective, one can judge how much important it is to make the right choice for the right job. Along with this, Punjab is also extending its support to its brotherly provinces.
The principles for digital transformation are beacon for the other provinces. PLRA extending its technical assistance to the Federation, Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan provinces. PLRA, BOR Punjab formally signed an agreement with GB government for such initiative. The numerous projects start every year most of which are limited to the adornment of books or their lasting effect is not visible in people’s lives. The review is not limited to a particular period, but if it is not kept in sync with the changing conditions, there is always a fear of doing more harm than good. A historical milestone is being crossed in the history of Punjab that an institution of Punjab, Punjab Land Record Authority, will achieve economic self-sufficiency in its shortest period. The process of institutional reforms should remain continue and all institutions should take necessary steps towards self-sustainability. This work may not be possible without determining the goals. All organizations should ensure the delivery of services without human interaction. Unfortunately, intellectual dishonesty is also at its peak among us. We want to take credit for the good works of others even if we do not have any intervention. This is an intellectual dishonesty. Unfortunately, we have failed miserably to remedy such intellectual malpractices. The nations who gives importance to Intellectual Rights always lead. To open the door of development and innovation it is very important that intellectually honesty should be taught, otherwise we may never step on the ladder of development. Where intellectual rights are not protected, the doors of innovation remain closed. It is very much important to have a determined will and conscious ability to do any work. Such works that failed to achieve their goals, if their reasons are examined, the lack of determined will and the conscious immaturity are prominent. It can be said with certainty that the right person for the right job is very important. To lay the foundation for a economic and technological revolution, the government should bring together all the relevant authorities to follow the footsteps of Punjab Land Record Authority to gain the self-sustainability. In conclusion, Punjab’s digital transformation is a testament to its commitment to progress. By embracing technology, the province has improved governance, stimulated economic growth, and enhanced the lives of its citizens. As Punjab continues to invest in digital initiatives, it is poised to become a model for other provinces and countries in the region.
The author is an Additional Director Operation PLRA.