SVAMITVA, a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Panchayati Raj was nation-wide launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on National Panchayati Raj Day, 24th April 2021 after successful completion of pilot phase of scheme (2020-2021) in 9 states. Scheme is a reformative step towards establishment of clear ownership of property in rural inhabited (Abadi) areas, by mapping of land parcels using drone technology and providing ‘Record of Rights’ to village household owners with issuance of legal ownership cards (Property cards/Title deeds) to the property owners. The Scheme is implemented with the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Revenue Department, State Panchayati Raj Department and Survey of India.  The scheme covers multifarious aspects viz. facilitating monetisation of properties and enabling bank loan; reducing property related disputes; comprehensive village level planning, would be the stepping-stone towards achieving Gram Swaraj in true sense and making rural India Atmanirbhar.

The scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives: -

1. Creation of accurate land records for rural planning and reduce property related disputes.
2. To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
3. Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the GPs directly in States where it is devolved or else, add to the State exchequer.
4. Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use. 
5. To support in preparation of better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making use of GIS maps

Establishment of Continuous Operating Reference System

CORS network would help in benchmarking the location and provides 5 centimetre level accuracy. It supports in accurate Geo-referencing, ground truthing and demarcation of lands. This would be Creation of Public Infrastructure of 567 CORS stations, i.e. a geo-positioning infrastructure under the Scheme which can be used to replace the chain surveys practiced in several States. The CORS once established could be used by any State agency / Department viz Revenue Department, Gram Panchayat (GP), Public Works Department, Rural Development Department, Agriculture, Drainage & Canal, Education, Electricity, Water, Health etc. for the survey and implementing/using GIS based applications.

Four Identified broad areas of Impact

 Inclusive Society

Throughout the history, scholars and development specialists have linked ‘Access to Property Rights’ with ‘Improvement in socio-economic standards of vulnerable population in villages’. The SVAMITVA Scheme aims to enable the same

Land Governance

Land is an essential resource for any economic activity aimed at creation of material wealth in the world. Lack of clearly demarcated Abadi area has led to high number of land-conflict cases. As per reports, millions of people suffer the impact of land conflicts across India and the World. The SVAMITVA Scheme aims to address the root cause for disputes at local level

 Sustainable Habitats

High-resolution digital maps for better Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) leading to improvement across infrastructure like schools, community health centres, rivers, street light, roads etc. through efficient allocation of funds and increased accessibility

Economic Growth 

The key outcome is to help people monetize their property as collateral. Furthermore, a boost to India’s economic growth through streamlining of Property tax, in States where it is levied leading to increase in investments and ease of doing business`.