Prindex's research on land tenure security in India started with a 2016 pilot study and expanded in 2017 with a larger survey across states and union territories. Given the high population density and the fact that 90% of land is under legal dispute, land tenure is a pressing issue in the country, affecting economic growth and the security of vulnerable groups. The surveys sought to map people's perceptions of land and property rights and understand the disparities across different states.
The initial study commissioned by the Land Alliance and conducted by Gallup included 14,000 respondents across 14 states, revealing that more than a quarter were concerned about losing their homes within five years. Although homeownership rates are high, concerns persist, particularly in urban areas, where 30% of respondents expressed anxiety about tenure security compared to 26% in rural areas. This reflects underlying structural issues in the rental market, where tenants face higher levels of insecurity than homeowners.
One significant factor contributing to tenure insecurity in India is the lack of proper documentation. The studies found that 1 in 4 respondents lacked formal documents to prove their ownership or use-rights over land or property, which heightened their perceptions of insecurity. The absence of documentation is particularly problematic in states with higher urbanization levels, such as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Kerala, where over a third of residents reported feeling insecure about their land and housing rights.
Gender disparities also emerged, as the surveys showed that women were less likely than men to own land or property. However, both genders reported similar levels of concern about losing their homes. This indicates that while ownership rates may differ, the perceived risk of losing property affects men and women alike. Addressing the gender gap in land ownership will require targeted policies that promote women's access to land and property, especially in the context of inheritance and marital rights.
The follow-up survey in 2017 expanded to 16,500 respondents and confirmed these trends. It found that tenure insecurity was more pronounced in states with rapid urban growth and among populations without formal property rights. The study also highlighted that those lacking tenure security were more likely to have experienced past property disputes, had less confidence in government institutions, and were generally less satisfied with their living conditions.
Prindex's research points to a need for state-level policy improvements to protect land tenure rights effectively. There is a significant opportunity to enhance tenure security by improving the quality of land records, providing accessible legal support for resolving disputes, and ensuring that policies are inclusive of vulnerable groups, such as women and renters.
Prindex continues to work closely with India's land rights community, focusing on themes such as climate resilience, community forest rights, and women's financial inclusion in agriculture. Through collaborations and targeted studies, Prindex aims to foster a better understanding of land tenure challenges and drive reforms that promote secure property rights across the country.
