SVAMITVA Scheme

 The SVAMITVA Scheme (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) is a landmark initiative by the Central Government of India aimed at providing an integrated property validation solution for rural India. It was launched on April 24, 2020, coinciding with National Panchayat Day, and is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR).

Key Objectives of the SVAMITVA Scheme:

1. Financial Stability for Rural Residents:

   • By issuing property cards, rural landowners can use their land as collateral for loans and other financial benefits.

2. Accurate Land Records:

   • It aims to create precise land records for rural areas, facilitating effective rural planning and reducing property disputes.

3. Property Tax Determination:

   • Helps in the calculation of property taxes, benefiting Gram Panchayats (GPs) in states where tax collection is devolved.

4. Support for Rural Development:

   • Provides GIS maps and survey data to aid the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).

Features of the SVAMITVA Scheme:

• Drone Technology for Mapping:

  • The scheme employs drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) for accurate mapping of rural inhabited areas.

• Property Cards:

  • SVAMITVA property cards will be provided to landowners, serving as official documentation that can be used for financial transactions.

• Gradual Implementation:

  • The mapping process will cover all villages across India over a period of five years (2020-2025), starting with the pilot phase in six states: Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Benefits of the SVAMITVA Scheme:

1. Property Rights:
   • Clear demarcation of property boundaries will secure ownership rights for rural inhabitants.
2. Prevention of Property Disputes:
   • The initiative is expected to significantly reduce property-related legal disputes in rural areas.
3. Increased Access to Credit:
   • By using SVAMITVA property cards, rural residents can leverage their land for loans and other financial services, thus monetizing their assets.
4. Enhanced Rural Development:
   • Accurate land records and GIS mapping will help in better rural planning and enable the government to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure and resource allocation.

Scope of the Scheme:

• The scheme will be extended to all villages across the country by March 2025, ensuring every rural property owner benefits from the initiative.

Need for the SVAMITVA Scheme:

The scheme addresses the long-standing issue of incomplete or inaccurate land records in rural India, which has led to land disputes, difficulty in obtaining loans, and hindrance to rural development. By providing clear property rights, the scheme empowers rural citizens and facilitates economic growth in these areas.

Activities under SVAMITVA Scheme:

1. Establishment of CORS Network:
   • A Continuously Operating Reference System (CORS) network provides high-accuracy real-time positioning for land demarcation.
2. Drone Surveying:
   • High-resolution drones are used to create accurate maps of rural inhabited areas.
3. Awareness Programs:
   • Sensitization campaigns are conducted to educate rural populations about the benefits and processes of the scheme.
4. Scheme Management:
   • A Programme Management Unit is set up at the national and state levels to oversee implementation.

Conclusion:

The SVAMITVA Scheme represents a major step toward formalizing property rights in rural India, enabling better financial inclusion, and facilitating rural development. Through modern drone technology and precise mapping, the scheme aims to bring financial stability and improve the ease of doing business for rural property owners.