Punjab Governor participates in ‘Svamitva’ event

In a significant step towards rural empowerment, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria virtually participated in the historic ‘Svamitva’ Scheme event from Prayagraj.

The event, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked the distribution of over 65 lakh property cards to beneficiaries across more than 50,000 villages in 230 districts, spanning 10 states and two Union Territories.

Kataria commended the scheme as a transformative initiative for rural India, emphasising its potential to bring clarity to property ownership, reduce disputes, and unlock economic opportunities for millions.

The Governor highlighted Punjab’s remarkable progress under the scheme, with 17,030 property cards distributed across 122 villages in five districts—Gurdaspur, Rupnagar, Faridkot, Sangrur, and Bathinda.

“The scheme is a game-changer for rural development. It empowers villagers by granting them legal ownership rights, fostering self-reliance, and enabling them to access institutional credit and economic opportunities. Punjab’s active participation in this initiative reflects our commitment to equitable and transparent governance,” he added.

The Governor praised the use of advanced drone and GIS technology under the scheme, which ensures precise mapping and ownership records for rural properties. He noted that this innovative approach has not only reduced land disputes but also strengthened the foundation for sustainable rural development.

The Scheme, launched on National Panchayati Raj Day in 2020, aims to provide a "Record of Rights" to rural property owners, addressing long-standing issues of unclear property titles.

Punjab's achievements in implementing the scheme demonstrate the state's dedication to fostering self-reliant villages and empowering its rural population.

Kataria futher added that the joy and confidence among the scheme’s beneficiaries was a major testament to its success.