Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed more than 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme on Saturday, benefiting property owners in over 50,000 villages across 230 districts in 10 states and 2 Union Territories. The event, held in Ahmedabad, was attended virtually by PM Modi, who interacted with beneficiaries, along with BJP national president JP Nadda.
What is the SVAMITVA Scheme?
Launched on April 24, 2020, on National Panchayati Raj Day, the SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme provides rural property owners with a “Record of Rights” using drone and GIS technology. This initiative is designed to map residential properties in villages, giving property owners legal documentation and ownership rights.
Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Address
•Empowering Rural India:
PM Modi called the distribution of property cards a “historic day” for rural India, stating that around 2.24 crore rural residents will now have property cards.
“The joy and confidence on the faces of beneficiaries is heartwarming. It brings satisfaction that this initiative serves the villages and the poor,” he said.
•Global and National Perspective on Property Rights:
Citing a United Nations study, PM Modi highlighted that lack of legal property documentation is a global issue. In India, this gap has historically led to disputes and exploitation in rural areas. The SVAMITVA Scheme addresses this challenge by ensuring robust property rights, reducing disputes, and unlocking economic potential.
•Economic Benefits:
With accurate ownership records, the scheme facilitates property monetisation and access to institutional financing through bank loans. It also supports village-level planning and enhances property tax evaluations in rural areas.
Achievements and Progress
•The program has reached complete saturation in regions like Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
•Drone surveys are nearing completion in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and various Union Territories.
JP Nadda’s Remarks
BJP president JP Nadda lauded the scheme as a reflection of PM Modi’s vision of empowerment, particularly for marginalized communities. “Under the leadership of Modi ji, empowerment of the poor, Dalits, women, farmers, and youth has been prioritized. The SVAMITVA Scheme aligns with the mantra of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,’” he said.
Why SVAMITVA Matters
•Conflict Resolution:
Accurate land records have significantly reduced property disputes in rural areas.
•Economic Empowerment:
Property cards enable owners to use their assets for economic activities, including securing loans.
•Planning and Development:
The scheme supports thorough village-level planning and improved property tax systems.
The SVAMITVA Scheme continues to revolutionize rural governance and economic development, marking a significant step toward empowering millions of property owners in India.
