Gujarat has become the top-performing state within the Pradhan Mantri SVAMITVA Scheme, providing it with recognition as a leading role model for reforms in property ownership in the country. To date, the state has provided more than half of all property cards issued in India under Phase II of the scheme, which highlights the efficacy of technological advancements in land management practices.
Specifically, the Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas Scheme aims at documenting the residential properties of rural inhabitants with property titles. For years, rural dwellers have been struggling with issues like lack of documents for ownership proofs, property loans, and property disputes due to poor documentation.
As per the data, a total number of 32.35 lakh property cards were issued during Phase-II of the initiative. Of this, Gujarat was able to issue 18.5 lakh property cards, which makes it the best performing state in India. This performance is due to the state's efforts to enhance the property rights in rural areas and economic opportunities therein.
One factor that has played a significant role in the success of Gujarat is its use of drone technology. Over 14,900 drone surveys were conducted in order to ensure accurate mapping of villages. Due to this, more than 11,500 villages have been surveyed and notified under the scheme.
Key Achievements of Gujarat Under SVAMITVA
- Issued over 18.5 lakh property cards.
- Completed 14,900 drone survey flights.
- Mapped and notified 11,511 villages.
- Accounted for more than 50% of all property cards issued nationwide.
- Enabled rural residents to access formal banking and loan facilities.
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of the project would be its contribution towards financial inclusion. Through property cards, the owners will be able to prove their legal ownership, hence using the property as security while requesting for loans from banks. In addition, this will give the family an opportunity to generate more funds by enhancing their houses, starting small businesses, engaging in farming and others.
The effects of the project have already started to be seen in the state of Gujarat. According to government figures, there has been sanctioning of loans up to ₹50 lakh through property cards distributed under this initiative.
Several districts have made a significant contribution to the performance of the state. Mehsana has been able to issue the largest number of property cards, after which comes Ahmedabad. There are also other districts like Kheda, Banaskantha, and Anand that have issued more than one lakh property cards each.
This achievement of Gujarat proves how much can be achieved through an intelligent combination of technology and governance. The state government of Gujarat has used drone mapping and digital documentation to make lives better for the citizens of rural areas.
