Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the Swamitva Yojana will empower villages and the poor, making the journey towards a developed India more pleasant. Over the past five years, approximately 1.5 crore rural residents in India have been issued property ownership certificates (property cards). Today, more than 65 lakh beneficiaries receive property cards, bringing legal ownership documents to around 2.25 crore rural residents across the country. This marks a historic day for India's rural economy.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister launched the e-distribution program of property ownership certificates under the Swamitva Yojana from Delhi. During the program, property cards were distributed to over 65 lakh beneficiaries from more than 50,000 villages nationwide, including 15.63 lakh beneficiaries from Madhya Pradesh. The prime minister also interacted with the scheme's beneficiaries, while Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav participated in the program from Seoni district.
Highlighting the global relevance, PM Modi said that according to a United Nations survey, property rights are among the major challenges of the 21st century, along with climate change, water scarcity, health issues, and pandemics. In many countries, the poor lack property rights, leading economists to term their assets as "dead capital," which cannot be leveraged for transactions or economic activities. Such a situation also leaves them vulnerable to disputes and encroachments. The Swamitva Yojana addresses this significant challenge.
The Prime Minister remarked that previous governments did not provide a concrete solution. After his government came into power in 2014, they initiated this scheme.
Land mapping was conducted using drones, and property documents were prepared for the poor. Out of approximately six lakh villages in India, drone surveys have been completed for more than half, and property cards have been issued to 2.25 crore rural residents. This initiative will boost the economy and unlock economic activities worth over 100 lakh crore rupees.
PM Modi stated that the Swamitva Yojana is a significant step towards realizing the vision of Gram Swaraj (village self-governance) as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi. Providing ownership rights to the poor will strengthen village panchayats economically and bring Gram Swaraj to reality. It will also facilitate better disaster management and make it easier for rural residents to claim timely benefits.
The Prime Minister stressed that India's heart lies in its villages, and the development of villages is integral to the nation's progress.
The Swamitva Yojana and land reforms will serve as the foundation pillars for rural development. India has already issued 23 crore land identification numbers, and land records are being digitized.
PM Modi also highlighted the significant role of women in building a developed India. Initiatives like Bank Sakhis, Insurance Sakhis, Lakhpati Didis, and Drone Didis are crucial steps towards women's empowerment.
Over 1.25 crore Lakhpati Didis have been created across the country. In several states, property ownership certificates under the Swamitva Yojana include the names of wives. Similarly, women's names are being included in the registry of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
