KKN Gurugram  Desk |  In a landmark step towards rural empowerment and poverty alleviation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually distributed over 65 lakh property cards to beneficiaries in more than 50,000 villages across 10 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs) under the Svamitva Scheme. This initiative aims to monetize land parcels, often referred to as “dead capital,” by providing legal documentation, enabling rural landowners to secure loans for businesses, education, and other financial needs.

Highlights of the Svamitva Scheme

1. States and UTs Covered: Beneficiaries are spread across Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
2. Digitisation of Land Records: Over 98% of rural land records have been digitized, significantly reducing disputes and corruption.
3. Economic Benefits:
   • Legal property cards serve as collateral for loans.
   • Enable small businesses and educational opportunities.
   • Expected to unlock economic activities worth Rs 100 lakh crore.

Monetizing ‘Dead Capital’

PM Modi highlighted that land parcels without legal documents are often referred to as “dead capital” by economists because they cannot be monetized or utilized effectively. By providing legal ownership, the Svamitva scheme has turned this “dead capital” into a financial asset for rural families.

“Property cards unleash the economic power of land parcels, enabling rural families to access loans for businesses, education, and more. This is a significant step towards poverty alleviation,” the PM said.

Challenges Addressed by Svamitva

PM Modi criticized previous governments for failing to address the lack of legal property documentation in rural India. He pointed out that:

• Villagers had property worth lakhs of crores but lacked ownership papers.
• Disputes over land ownership were rampant.
• Banks refused to provide loans due to the absence of legal property documents.
• Influential individuals often took illegal control of land.

“No sensitive government could leave its villagers in such distress. The Svamitva scheme has empowered rural families and created a foundation for economic growth,” he added.

How Property Cards Empower Villagers

Beneficiaries of the Svamitva scheme shared their experiences, showcasing the transformative impact of receiving property cards:

• Financial Inclusion: Many rural families have secured loans for small businesses and higher education.
• Women Empowerment: Property cards in several states are issued in the name of women as sole or co-owners, giving them financial security and independence.
• Dispute Resolution: Digitization of land records has significantly reduced land disputes.
• Future Potential: The scheme is expected to trigger massive economic activities by formalizing property ownership.

Economic Impact of the Svamitva Scheme

1. Access to Credit: Property cards act as collateral, making it easier for rural families to secure loans.
2. Entrepreneurship Boost: With access to credit, villagers are starting small businesses and ventures, boosting the rural economy.
3. Education Opportunities: Families are investing in the higher education of their children using loans obtained through property cards.
4. Reduction in Corruption: Digitized land records eliminate loopholes, ensuring transparency.

Focus on Women Empowerment

Panchayati Raj Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that property rights cards are being issued in the name of women in many states, either as primary or co-owners. This initiative ensures greater financial security and empowerment for women, giving them a stronger voice in family and community matters.

Global Context: Importance of Property Rights

PM Modi referred to a study conducted by the United Nations, which found that lack of property rights is a significant barrier to poverty alleviation worldwide. By addressing this challenge, the Svamitva scheme aligns India with global best practices for inclusive development.

Digitization: A Game-Changer

With over 98% of rural land records digitized, India is setting a benchmark for leveraging technology and governance to empower rural communities. The PM emphasized the importance of digitization in minimizing corruption and ensuring transparency.

“Digitization is furthering rural empowerment by harnessing technology and good governance,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

Future Goals of the Svamitva Scheme

• Nationwide Coverage: Issuing property cards in all villages to ensure legal ownership for every rural landowner.
• Economic Growth: Unlocking rural economic potential, estimated to exceed Rs 100 lakh crore.
• Strengthening Infrastructure: Digitized records will serve as a foundation for improved governance and infrastructure planning in rural areas.

The Svamitva scheme is a transformative initiative that not only provides rural landowners with legal rights but also empowers them economically. By turning “dead capital” into an asset, the scheme is driving financial inclusion, reducing poverty, and laying the groundwork for a stronger rural economy.

PM Modi’s vision of leveraging technology and governance to empower rural India is evident in the success of the Svamitva scheme. As land records across the nation become fully digitized, the initiative is poised to unlock immense economic potential and uplift millions of rural families.