#9 Major Policy Moves: From Flight to Land – WiFi in Planes, Land Digitization, and Andhra’s Anti-Corruption Crusade
Welcome to the ninth edition of Policy Mandala. In this edition, we have structured this Policy Mandala on a 3-1 structure
Below, we discuss three recent policy updates from the past week(s) and analyze them for you: from the in-flight Wi-Fi to Andhra’s whistleblower guardian and land digitization. Let’s go!
Analysis #1: The government permits internet through Wi-Fi in air travel
Remember those airport bookstalls?
You’d spot travelers grabbing a novel or bestseller just before their flight, hoping for a few precious hours of peace, free from constant notifications. Well, brace yourselves—that little escape might soon be history.
Last week, the Ministry of Communications (Department of Telecommunications) dropped a big one: In-flight WiFi is coming to all domestic flights.
Yep, this means your favorite social media feeds won’t be grounded anymore. Your thumb can keep scrolling, and yes, your boss can still ping you with “just a quick thing” mid-flight. So, it’s not just about more access to WiFi—it’s also a policy move packed with implications.
Why the shift?
For years, in-flight WiFi was blocked mainly for security reasons, with concerns about signals interfering with essential aircraft communications. Plus, the infrastructure cost was (and still is) sky-high, making airlines question if enough people would pay for it.
In fact, back in 2018, India introduced the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, allowing WiFi but only above 3,000 meters to avoid ground signal interference. In 2024, that altitude restriction was finally lifted, allowing WiFi as soon as devices are permitted on board.
So, what changed to make this possible now?
Stronger Cybersecurity: India’s cybersecurity infrastructure has evolved, recently achieving Tier-1 status. This provides a more robust framework to manage the risks of in-flight connectivity, making the skies safer for online access.
Growing Demand: With 5G now expanding to smaller towns, a surge in smartphone use, and more than double the number of operational airports since 2014, people expect to stay connected everywhere—yes, even at 35,000 feet.
Indigenous Satellite Capabilities: With ISRO’s impressive portfolio of 850+ satellite launches in the last eight years (a significant chunk being communication satellites), India may soon have full in-flight internet capabilities with homegrown tech. That’s just our hunch, but it seems like a strong possibility.
But there are a few concerns:
Tech Sovereignty: With Starlink possibly entering India under this new policy, some worry that India’s connectivity could become linked to a private company with major geopolitical ties. Starlink’s involvement in Ukraine, where it limited satellite use in their conflict with Russia, shows how these dependencies could complicate things.
Infrastructure Costs: Setting up in-flight WiFi is no small feat. Retrofitting planes with antennas and satellite connections is both expensive and time-consuming, meaning airlines might pass these costs onto passengers. So, don’t be surprised if in-flight WiFi leads to a bump in ticket prices.
The Bottom Line:
In-flight WiFi brings exciting perks like uninterrupted work, real-time travel updates, and more in-flight entertainment options. While costs and sovereignty concerns remain, this move aligns India’s aviation experience with global standards, adding appeal for passengers and elevating the overall flying experience.
Analysis #2: Did You Hear? Andhra Pradesh Now Has a "Whistleblower Guardian"
Guess what? The Andhra Pradesh government just appointed a senior police officer, at the ADG rank, to protect whistleblowers. Yes, you read that right—a dedicated "Whistleblower Guardian." But before we get into it, let’s take a moment to ask: who exactly is a whistleblower?
A whistleblower is someone who risks it all to expose illegal, unethical, or corrupt activities within an organization or government. They’re the ones brave enough to sound the alarm, often at great personal risk (career, safety, the whole shebang). Now, you might think, "Well, regular police should cover that, right?" But let's face it, calling out powerful figures comes with its own set of risks, and that's why whistleblowers need special protection.
Remembering the Price of Truth
India’s history with whistleblowers is, unfortunately, tragic. Think of names like Satyendra Dubey, Manjunath Shanmugam, and Satish Shetty. All were valiant individuals who exposed corruption, and all were murdered by powerful forces. Their deaths sparked national outrage and eventually led to the Right to Information Act in 2005 and the Whistleblowers Protection Act (WBPA) in 2014.
The WBPA aimed to provide a legal shield for whistleblowers, ensuring protection from retaliation. While it was a step forward, it lacked clarity on how exactly to implement those protections. Then came the 2015 Amendment, which put restrictions on disclosures about national security and sensitive areas like defense. The intent was to safeguard state interests, but it raised concerns: could it discourage whistleblowers from speaking out on issues of public importance? Now, the Act's real effectiveness hinges on robust enforcement and a genuine commitment to transparency.
So, What’s Happening in Andhra?
To bolster these protections, Andhra Pradesh has appointed a senior police officer to safeguard whistleblowers. It's a significant step, but here’s the burning question: Will it be enough?
Let’s take a little detour with an analogy. Picture the Great Wall of China—a mighty structure built to keep out invaders. But guess what? Despite its size and strength, China was invaded three times within just a century of its construction. And the problem wasn’t the wall; it was the guards. They were bribed, and invaders simply walked right through the gates.
Moral of the story? Systems are only as strong as the people enforcing them. Just like the Great Wall, Andhra’s whistleblower protection system will only be as effective as the integrity of those in charge of it.
However, systems do play a role! It’s two ways: One, it’s a message to potential corrupt elements, that the government is serious, while also informing the whistleblowers that they would be safe. Two, it’s a way to enforce accountability. Given that Andhra has a nodal authority now to safeguard whistleblowers, there is naturally stronger accountability placed on the appointed officer to ensure their safety.
For a state like Andhra Pradesh, which is building a new capital and striving for strong governance, this move is in line with its larger vision. But, just like the wall, its innate strength is important, and so is the importance of the moral strength of those tasked with guarding it. Here’s hoping the whistleblowers stay safe, and corruption gets the whistle it deserves.
Analysis #3: Did You Know? India’s Land Records Are Going Digital—And It’s About Time!
Remember some famous movie dialogues about India’s massive legal backlog?
We’re talking crores of cases just sitting there.
But guess what? 60% of those cases are all about land! Yes, land disputes: land grabbing, ownership issues, and good old-fashioned territorial drama. Right now, rural India is grappling with over 7.7 million land disputes. Imagine waiting for years—sometimes decades—for clarity on your land rights. It’s like playing a never-ending game of "Who Owns What?"—and no one’s winning.
But here's the exciting part: this is finally changing. India is going through a massive digital makeover, and land records are getting the digital treatment too! Last week, the government dropped some game-changing news: 95% of rural land records are now digitized!
Amazing right? Let’s go to be bit of backstory here: How Did We Get Here?
Let’s rewind to 2016. India launched the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) (yes, a massive name!). It was like giving India’s ancient, paper-heavy land records a full-blown tech upgrade.
Think about it: for decades, land records were scattered, often outdated, and let’s face it: mostly unverifiable. A holdover from the colonial era, India’s land records system was due for a 21st-century revamp. And thus, The DILRMP was born.
The results speak for themselves:
6.26 lakh villages now have computerized land records (almost every village in rural India!)
87% of Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) have been linked to these records.
68% of cadastral maps (the land survey maps) are now digitized at the national level.
And now the government has extended DILRMP until 2025-26, with new features like Aadhaar-based integration and digitizing revenue courts. It's like a dream software update, connecting personal identities for land records!
Why Does This Matter?
Well, historically, India’s land records were mostly paper file-based: fragile, fragmented, and prone to corruption. Overlapping land claims, outdated paperwork, and local variations in record-keeping were the norm more than the exception. It was a mess, and it clogged up the courts. Now, with digitized land records, we get:
Transparency – No more shady dealings or multiple land claims.
Better dispute resolution – With electronic databases and GIS-based mapping, disputes can be solved faster.
Fair compensation – In the case of land acquisition, precise geospatial data ensures no one gets underpaid for their land or no more false claims.
Access to proof of ownership – No more running around in circles for land ownership papers.
What’s even cooler is that states are leading this game. Karnataka, for example, started this with the BHUMI portal in 2000, and since then slashed land dispute resolution time by half by digitizing its records. Maharashtra’s e-Mutation initiative launched in 2013 is speeding up land transfers, cutting out delays, and making land transactions smoother than a well-polished stone. Uttar Pradesh’s Bhulekh portal, launched in 2016, allows citizens to access and verify land records online, simplifying processes and boosting transparency. This is the classic case of Central Government learning from states, and improving on it.
But, Is It All Perfect?
Of course not! As with any new tech initiative, there are some hiccups. Missing data, incorrect entries, and other growing pains are part of the deal. But hey, Kashi wasn’t settled in a day (wink, wink), and neither will a perfect digital land system. The good news is that we’re on the right track—and within a decade, we can expect India’s land records to be largely clean and litigation-free.
Takeaway: Got Land? Check the Records First!
If you're planning to buy land anytime soon (because who isn’t dreaming of owning a little slice of heaven?), make sure to check the digital land records in your state. It’s a game changer for transparency and security, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll avoid the nightmare of a land dispute.
So, here’s to fewer legal dramas and more clear land titles! Let us know your experience if you’ve checked your land records. We might even feature your success story in the next newsletter! 🏡
Book Mandala
In this section, we suggest a book to be read/listened each week, for the inner policy enthusiast in you :)
Book: The Land of Seven Rivers
Author: Sanjeev Samyal
About: The Land of Seven Rivers by Sanjeev Sanyal is an exploration of India’s geography and history, interwoven with fascinating stories of ancient rivers, migration, and urban evolution. From the lost Saraswati River to colonial infrastructure, Sanyal connects India's physical landscape with its cultural and historical shifts, offering readers a dynamic, panoramic view of the subcontinent.
Our take: Interested in History? Or in Geography? Or in GeoPolitics? Or in India in general? Well, this book is a combination of all!
The book makes India’s complex landscape feel alive with stories of rivers, migrations, and cultural shifts. It’s an engaging read that reshapes how we see India, urging readers to look beyond the surface. This book is a compelling choice for anyone curious about how geography shapes history and identity.
Hope you liked today’s Policy Mandala!
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