Digital Transformation and Administrative Challenges: The Evolving Role of the Tehsildar in Revenue Administration

Abstract

This article examines the digital transformation of frontline revenue administration through the evolving role of the Tehsildar in Sirsa district, Haryana. Drawing on qualitative fieldwork—including in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, content analysis of official records and non-participant observation—the study investigates how Tehsildars navigate the transition from traditional land administration to digital revenue governance. Three substantive dimensions are examined in depth: the new digital responsibilities, guidelines and legislative frameworks governing the Tehsildar’s mandate; the mechanisms and challenges of data accuracy management under digital operations; and the multi-platform digital grievance redressal architecture within which the office now functions. The analysis additionally foregrounds four structural challenges: the politicisation of transfers, chronic resource constraints, digital literacy gaps and the complexity of hybrid digital–manual operations. The article argues that effective digital governance of land administration requires institutional strengthening, protection of administrative autonomy and contextually grounded policy reform alongside the deployment of technology. Evidence-based recommendations are offered to strengthen the Tehsildar’s office’s institutional capacity.

Keywords

Revenue administration digitisation Tehsildar land records e-governance grievance redressal data accuracy Haryana

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