SVAMITVA scheme What is it and 3 things to know PM Modi to five million property cards
The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) announced on Wednesday that rural residential properties worth Rs 1.37 lakh crore could now be monetised for credit access under the SVAMITVA scheme.
This landmark initiative, utilising drone technology for surveying and demarcating properties in rural areas, aims to unlock the economic potential of villages and improve financial inclusion.
TRANSFORMING RURAL ECONOMIES WITH PROPERTY CARDS
Launched in 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme addresses the long-standing issue of unmapped rural properties in several states. The lack of clear land ownership records had previously denied rural residents access to institutional credit.
By issuing legally-backed property cards, the scheme enables property owners to secure loans, spurring economic activity in rural areas.
So far, 317,000 villages—92% of the targeted 344,000—have been surveyed, with 136,000 villages already receiving property cards. On December 27, PM Modi is set to distribute five million additional property cards across India.
BENEFITS AMID CHALLENGES
Beyond financial inclusion, the SVAMITVA scheme has resolved disputes, empowered women through joint property ownership, and helped gram panchayats tackle encroachments.
However, challenges persist, particularly in tribal areas where communal land ownership and family disputes complicate title claims. The parliamentary standing committee on Panchayati Raj has urged the government to address these issues within the legal framework.
States like Jharkhand have resisted implementation, while Tamil Nadu, Bihar, and Odisha, having updated rural land records, opted out of the scheme. Despite hurdles, the ministry aims to complete the project by FY 2026.
PAVING THE WAY FOR RURAL PROSPERITY
By granting clear ownership of residential properties, the SVAMITVA scheme lays the foundation for rural economic growth. As more villages come under its ambit, this transformative initiative holds the promise of empowering millions and driving sustainable development in India’s hinterlands.
