On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to distribute over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme to property owners in 50,000 villages across 10 states and 2 Union territories. This initiative is aimed at empowering rural India by providing clear property rights to households in rural abadi areas through modern technology. The distribution ceremony will take place via video conferencing, marking a significant step in India's rural governance and economic development.

The Vision Behind SVAMITVA Scheme

Launched on April 24, 2020, by PM Modi on National Panchayati Raj Day, the SVAMITVA Scheme was designed to address long-standing issues of property rights and land disputes in rural India. Through the use of drone technology and Geographic Information System (GIS), the scheme has mapped rural properties and provided "Record of Rights" to homeowners in village areas. This digital record is a game-changer for rural residents, ensuring that they have clear ownership over their land, facilitating monetization and enabling institutional credit through bank loans.

The Impact on Rural India

The SVAMITVA Scheme is transforming rural India by offering several key benefits, such as:

• Monetizing properties for homeowners and helping them access financial services.
• Reducing property-related disputes through digital records that are officially recognized by the government.
• Facilitating property tax assessment, improving local governance and enabling better village-level planning.

Drone surveys have been successfully conducted in over 3.17 lakh villages, covering 92% of the targeted villages. Nearly 2.25 crore property cards have already been prepared, with significant progress made in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and in several Union Territories.

How the Scheme Has Benefitted Rural Communities

Since its inception, the SVAMITVA Scheme has revolutionized rural development by improving governance, enabling easier access to bank loans, and creating a path for economic progress. This scheme is crucial for enhancing the property tax system in rural areas, where land and property ownership records were previously unclear. By providing property rights through the use of advanced technology, PM Modi’s initiative is fostering transparency and empowering people in villages to build a better future.

Key Milestones and Developments

One of the defining moments for the SVAMITVA Scheme was the virtual distribution of property cards on October 11, 2020, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, drone surveys and property card distribution have gained momentum, with continuous efforts to extend the scheme’s reach across rural India. The government's dedication to empowering rural residents with clear ownership rights continues to be a cornerstone of its development agenda.

PM Modi’s Ongoing Commitment to Rural Empowerment

This distribution of 65 lakh property cards is part of PM Modi’s broader vision to boost rural India’s economic growth. In the past, the Prime Minister has launched various initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to ensure rural prosperity. The SVAMITVA Scheme adds another layer of support, promoting self-reliance in rural areas and furthering the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Future Prospects and Expansion

As more drone surveys and property card distributions take place, the SVAMITVA Scheme is set to cover more villages, extending its reach to the remotest parts of India. With over 92% of the targeted villages already surveyed, the government plans to complete the scheme in the coming years. This will create a more transparent, efficient, and accessible property ownership system for rural India.

Conclusion

The SVAMITVA Scheme represents a significant leap towards rural empowerment and economic progress in India. By combining cutting-edge drone technology with traditional land survey methods, the scheme provides rural residents with the tools to secure their property rights, access financial resources, and contribute to local governance. With the 65 lakh property cards distribution scheduled for today, the scheme’s impact on rural India will be even more pronounced.

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