Over 4,230 families in 190 villages gain ownership rights under Swamitva Yojna
In a significant step towards rural empowerment, the Himachal Pradesh government has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of property cards under the Swamitva Yojna. This ambitious scheme was designed to revolutionize land ownership in Abadi Deh areas (inhabited regions), providing rightful ownership to villagers who have occupied these lands for generations. By granting legal recognition to these lands, the Swamitva Yojna is poised to change the landscape of rural Himachal Pradesh, enhancing security and economic opportunities for thousands of families.
Spearheaded by the Revenue Department, the Swamitva Yojna was already making a noticeable impact across the state. In its first phase, over 4,230 families in 190 villages are set to receive their property cards, a move that would have profound implications for land management and ownership. The scheme’s implementation was noteworthy for its innovative use of drone-assisted mapping technology, which has successfully covered 13,599 of the 15,196 Abadi Deh villages across Himachal Pradesh. This technological approach has ensured accuracy and efficiency, setting a new standard for land surveys in India.
The Indian Survey Department has played a crucial role in this process, providing 16,588 first-level maps for 6,314 villages across the state. These maps, along with second and final-level maps for hundreds of other villages, were instrumental in ensuring that property cards were distributed accurately and promptly. The initiative has particularly benefited Hamirpur district, which has set a national precedent by becoming the first district to grant ownership rights to families in Abadi Deh areas.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who inaugurated the distribution of property cards, commended Hamirpur district for leading the way. The newly issued property cards were not just legal documents but a solution to many long-standing issues faced by residents, especially in Lal-Dora/Lal-Lakir areas. These rights would simplify access to official land records, significantly reducing the need for multiple visits to revenue offices. The Chief Minister also highlighted the broader implications of the Swamitva Yojna, noting that it would streamline land-related processes, enhance public convenience, and reduce bureaucratic delays.
Looking to the future, the Swamitva Yojna was expected to be a catalyst for further development in rural Himachal Pradesh. By providing clear and legally recognized ownership, the scheme would empower landholders to use their property as collateral for loans, invest in their land, and plan for the future with greater confidence. This would not only boost individual economic prospects but also contribute to the overall development of the state.
Moreover, this initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens through progressive policies. By addressing the complexities of land ownership and management, the Swamitva Yojna was laying the foundation for a more efficient, transparent and land administration system in Himachal Pradesh. As the scheme progresses, it was expected to bring about lasting changes that would benefit generations to come, making it a true game-changer for the state’s rural population.