The Government of Telangana has issued a crucial order regarding the continuation of operations and maintenance for the Dharani Portal, an integrated land records management system that plays a pivotal role in the state’s land administration. The services of the National Informatics Centre (NIC), operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, have been enlisted to oversee the portal’s functions. This decision follows an extensive evaluation process and aims to ensure seamless and efficient management of land records across the state.
Engaging NIC for the Dharani Project
In an official government order, G.O.Ms.No.107, dated 21st October 2024, the Telangana Government announced that the services of NIC will be engaged for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Dharani Portal for an initial contract period of three years. The contract is extendable by an additional two years, subject to the performance of NIC. This decision comes as the current contract with M/s TerraCIS is set to expire on 29th October 2024.
The Dharani Portal, which was officially launched in 2020, is a key initiative aimed at digitizing land records, simplifying transactions, and promoting transparency in land administration across Telangana. By engaging NIC, which has extensive expertise in land record management, the government aims to strengthen the portal’s capabilities and improve service delivery.
The Role of NIC in Land Records Management
NIC has established itself as a leader in providing IT solutions for various e-governance projects, especially in land records management. Its involvement in the Dharani Project will be crucial in ensuring that the portal remains operational, secure, and user-friendly. NIC will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the portal’s operations, including maintenance, technical support, and system upgrades.
The initial three-year contract is expected to cover the necessary infrastructure, technical support, and improvements needed to enhance the portal’s functionality. In addition, NIC’s experience in managing similar systems across the country will help the Dharani Portal stay aligned with best practices in land records management.
Transition Period and Extension of TerraCIS Contract
To ensure a smooth transition between service providers, the government has also approved a two-month transition period from 30th September 2024 to 30th November 2024. During this period, NIC will work alongside M/s TerraCIS to ensure that all operations are handed over seamlessly without disrupting the portal’s functionality.
Furthermore, an additional one-month extension has been granted to M/s TerraCIS, the current service provider, to cover any potential gaps during the transition phase. This extension allows for uninterrupted service while NIC takes over the responsibilities of managing the Dharani Portal.
In reference to the G.O.Ms.No.2, the Government issued orders for the design, development, and implementation of the Integrated Land Records Management System (ILRMS) under the Dharani Project. M/s IL&FS Technologies Limited (later M/s TerraCIS) was awarded the contract for a period of three (3) years from the date of the application’s Go-live status. The Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, Telangana, Hyderabad, was tasked with taking ownership of the project and forming a Project Implementation Committee to oversee the project’s execution.
In G.O.Ms.No.65, the Government constituted a Project Implementation Committee. Certain officers were appointed to interact on domain-related issues with M/s IL&FS Technologies Limited (later M/s TerraCIS), and responsibilities were assigned to various departments including Revenue, Registration & Stamps, and Information Technology.
As per the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration’s report (reference 3), TGTS and M/s TerraCIS signed a contract agreement on 20.04.2018. Dharani portal was declared Go-Live by the Government on 29.10.2020, initiating the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) phase for a duration of three (3) years, which will expire on 29.10.2023.
Following recommendations from the Project Implementation Committee, a one-year extension for O&M services was granted to M/s TerraCIS until 29.10.2024. As the contract is nearing its expiration, the committee has recommended that future O&M services for the Dharani portal be managed by a government or public agency, such as National Informatics Centre (NIC), CGG, or TG-OnLine.
In G.O.Rt.No.277, a committee was constituted to identify a suitable agency for continuing O&M services. After careful discussions, the committee recommended the engagement of NIC, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Govt. of India, for its extensive experience in Land Record Management. NIC will be engaged for an initial contract period of three (3) years, extendable by two (2) years based on performance, with a transition period of two (2) months from 30.09.2024 to 30.11.2024, along with a one-month extension of the existing contract with M/s TerraCIS.
After thorough examination, the Government has decided to engage NIC for the Operations & Maintenance of the Dharani Portal under the aforementioned terms.
The Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, Telangana, Hyderabad, Information Technology Electronics & Communication Department, and Telangana Technology Services (TGTS) Ltd. are directed to take necessary further action in this matter.
Background of the Dharani Portal
The Dharani Portal was introduced as part of the state’s Integrated Land Records Management System (ILRMS) and has since become a cornerstone in Telangana’s digital governance efforts. The project was initially awarded to M/s IL&FS Technologies Limited (later M/s TerraCIS) under a contract signed in 2018. The portal went live on 29th October 2020, with a three-year O&M phase that ends in 2023.
The success of the Dharani Portal lies in its ability to streamline land registration processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance transparency. Citizens can access their land records online, make transactions, and view their property details in real time. With the continued support of NIC, the portal is expected to evolve further, offering enhanced features and improved performance.
Government’s Decision-Making Process
The decision to engage NIC was made after thorough discussions by a committee appointed by the Telangana Government. This committee, consisting of senior officials from the Revenue Department, Information Technology Electronics & Communication Department, and Telangana Technology Services (TGTS) Ltd., conducted a detailed assessment of potential service providers.
The committee recommended NIC as the most suitable agency, citing its vast experience in managing land records and its ability to provide comprehensive support for the portal’s ongoing operations. NIC’s track record in delivering high-quality IT solutions for various government projects across India further solidified the decision.
Future of Dharani Portal
The engagement of NIC for the Dharani Portal signals the government’s commitment to continuously improving the system. With a focus on modernizing land administration and ensuring accessibility for all citizens, the partnership with NIC is expected to drive further innovation and efficiency within the portal.
NIC’s involvement will not only strengthen the technical infrastructure of the Dharani Portal but also enhance its scalability. As more citizens and stakeholders rely on the portal for land-related transactions, the government is keen to ensure that it remains user-friendly, efficient, and secure.
Conclusion
The Telangana Government’s decision to engage NIC for the operations and maintenance of the Dharani Portal marks a significant step towards ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of this crucial e-governance initiative. With NIC’s expertise in land record management and e-governance, the Dharani Portal is set to continue providing transparent, reliable, and efficient services to the people of Telangana. The transition period and extension of the existing contract with M/s TerraCIS demonstrate the government’s commitment to a seamless handover process, ensuring that the portal remains fully operational without interruption. This decision reinforces the state’s dedication to leveraging technology for better governance and service delivery.
