The Union government of India has undertaken an extensive survey of rural land, covering 67,000 square kilometres. This initiative is valued at ₹132 lakh crore and is part of the SVAMITVA programme. The survey employs advanced drone technology, allowing for high precision mapping with an accuracy of five centimetres. As of now, 92% of this drone mapping has been completed, encompassing approximately 3.17 lakh villages. The initiative aims to cover over 3.44 lakh villages by 2026.
SVAMITVA Programme Overview
The SVAMITVA programme was launched in April 2020. Its primary objective is to provide property rights to rural landowners. By distributing property cards, the government aims to empower individuals and enhance their ability to monetise their land. This initiative is expected to facilitate access to financial services, including loans from banks, by providing credible documentation of land ownership.
Drones in Land Surveying
Drones are revolutionising land surveying in rural areas. They offer quick and accurate mapping capabilities. The technology ensures that land measurements are precise, reducing disputes over land boundaries. The use of drones also speeds up the entire surveying process, making it more efficient compared to traditional methods.
Impact on Land Disputes
One of the benefits of the SVAMITVA programme is its potential to resolve long-standing land disputes. By providing clear and accurate land records, the programme aims to eliminate confusion regarding land ownership. This clarity will help in settling conflicts and encouraging better community relations.
Role of State Governments
Various State governments are participating in the SVAMITVA programme. While 31 States and Union Territories have joined, some, like Sikkim, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, only participated in the pilot phase. States like Telangana and Bihar have developed their own versions of the scheme, reflecting local needs and governance structures.
Property Card Distribution Ceremony
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to distribute property cards to 65 lakh landowners across ten States. The event will include virtual interactions with beneficiaries and in-person meetings conducted by 13 Union Ministers. This distribution is step in the government’s agenda to empower rural landowners and enhance their economic standing.
Future Prospects
The SVAMITVA programme is on track to meet its target by 2026. It is expected to provide substantial benefits to rural communities. The data collected will also assist panchayats in managing their land effectively. This can lead to improved infrastructure development, including community halls and panchayat bhawans.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of technology in modern land surveying and its implications for rural development.
- Examine the significance of property rights for rural landowners in the context of economic empowerment.
- Estimate the impact of the SVAMITVA programme on resolving land disputes in rural India.
- Point out the challenges faced by State governments in implementing the SVAMITVA programme effectively.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the role of technology in modern land surveying and its implications for rural development.
- Drones provide high-precision mapping with an accuracy of five centimetres, enhancing surveying efficiency.
- Technology reduces time and costs associated with traditional land surveying methods.
- Accurate land records help minimize disputes, encouraging better community relations and stability.
- Advanced mapping supports effective planning and resource management in rural areas.
- Improved land documentation facilitates access to financial services, empowering rural economies.
2. Examine the significance of property rights for rural landowners in the context of economic empowerment.
- Property rights provide legal recognition, enabling landowners to monetize their assets.
- Secure ownership encourages investment in land improvements and agricultural productivity.
- Access to property cards simplifies the process of obtaining loans from banks.
- Clear land titles help reduce conflicts, promoting social stability and community development.
- Economic empowerment through property rights enhances the overall livelihood of rural families.
3. Estimate the impact of the SVAMITVA programme on resolving land disputes in rural India.
- SVAMITVA provides accurate land records, minimizing confusion over ownership and boundaries.
- Clear documentation assists in settling long-standing disputes, encouraging community trust.
- The programme promotes transparency in land transactions, reducing the likelihood of fraud.
- Improved land governance encourages better land use and management practices.
- Overall, it contributes to social harmony and economic stability in rural areas.
4. Point out the challenges faced by State governments in implementing the SVAMITVA programme effectively.
- Resource constraints may limit the capacity for extensive surveying and mapping activities.
- Resistance from local stakeholders who may be wary of changes in land ownership dynamics.
- Technological gaps and lack of training for personnel in drone operations and data management.
- Coordination issues between various government departments and agencies involved in implementation.
- Ensuring community awareness and participation is essential for successful adoption of the programme.
