PM Modi to Distribute 65 Lakh Property Cards on January 18, Empowering Rural India

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PM Modi to Distribute 65 Lakh Property Cards on January 18, Empowering Rural India

Synopsis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute 65 lakh property cards across 50,000 villages under the SVAMITVA Scheme on January 18, marking a significant milestone in rural empowerment. The event will feature the e-distribution and interaction with beneficiaries, highlighting advancements in land governance and financial inclusion in rural India.

Key Takeaways

  • Distribution of 65 lakh property cards in 50,000 villages.
  • Completion of drone surveys in 3.17 lakh villages.
  • Full saturation in several Union Territories and states.
  • International workshops planned to share best practices.
  • Empowerment of rural communities through the SVAMITVA Scheme.

New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hand out 65 lakh property cards in over 50,000 villages nationwide under the SVAMITVA Scheme on Saturday, January 18. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the empowerment of rural India, as stated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

The Prime Minister will lead the e-distribution of these cards via video conference, covering 10 states: Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

This ceremony will celebrate the preparation of almost 2.25 crore property cards under the scheme, as indicated by the ministry's announcement on Friday.

During this event, the Prime Minister is expected to engage with select beneficiaries and deliver a nationwide address.

A vast number of citizens will participate in the in-person distribution of property cards across various events planned in over 230 districts. Approximately 13 Union Ministers are also anticipated to be present, overseeing regional distribution ceremonies.

Initiated on April 24, 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day) by the Prime Minister, the SVAMITVA Scheme aims to grant a “Record of Rights” to property owners in rural Abadi areas by employing drone and GIS technology. A total of 67,000 sq km of rural Abadi land, valued at Rs.132 lakh crore, has been surveyed under this initiative.

The scheme has made remarkable strides, with drone surveys completed in 3.17 lakh villages across India. This includes full saturation in the Union Territories of Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Delhi, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu, along with the states of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, as noted by the statement.

Furthermore, property cards have been issued for all inhabited villages in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Tripura, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Goa, indicating significant advancements in implementation.

At the national level, a total of 3,46,187 villages have been identified under the scheme, with drone operations completed in 3,17,715 villages, achieving a 92 percent completion rate. Maps have been submitted for state inquiries, and property cards have been created for 1,53,726 villages, leading to the issuance of nearly 2.25 crore property cards.

States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have reached 100 percent in drone surveys, with significant achievements in property card preparation at 73.57 percent and 68.93 percent, respectively. Both Haryana and Uttarakhand excel with full completion in both drone surveys and property card preparation.

States including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan have shown commendable progress in drone surveys, with Maharashtra and Gujarat surpassing 98 percent, although further acceleration is needed in property card preparation. A total of 67,000 sq.km of rural Abadi land has been surveyed, valued at Rs 132 lakh crore, underscoring the economic importance of this initiative.

Looking ahead, the Panchayati Raj Ministry intends to showcase the success of the SVAMITVA Scheme on international platforms. In March 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry plans to conduct an International Workshop on Land Governance in India, welcoming nearly 40 representatives from Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia to share best practices and advanced drone and GIS technologies, fostering global collaboration for similar initiatives.

Additionally, in May 2025, the Ministry intends to participate in the World Bank Land Governance Conference in Washington to highlight India’s achievements and promote international adoption of this model.

The SVAMITVA Scheme has substantially transformed rural India by enhancing land governance, promoting financial inclusion, and driving community development. It has made bank loans more accessible, resolved long-standing land disputes, and empowered women by securing their property rights, marking a crucial milestone in social and economic empowerment.

This initiative exemplifies a Whole-of-Government approach, fostering inter-departmental collaboration to advance financial inclusion, rural stability, and economic growth. It has not only empowered property owners but also facilitated better infrastructure planning, financial stability, and sustainable development in rural India.