Public Policy Dialogues-2024: Ministry of Panchayati Raj Wins 1st Prize for Digital Transformation in Land Governance

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, at the second annual ‘Public Policy Dialogues’ Conclave organized by the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, has been awarded the prestigious 1st Prize in the Innovation Sandbox presentation. The accolade was conferred in recognition of the ministry's exemplary work in the ‘Digital Transformation Initiatives in Land Governance through SVAMITVA Scheme.’ This isn't the first time the Ministry's innovative efforts have been acknowledged.

Gold Award for Digital Transformation

The SVAMITVA Scheme, aimed at revolutionizing land governance in rural India, previously secured the Gold Prize in the "Use of Emerging Technology for Providing Citizen-Centric Services" category at the National Awards for e-Governance 2023. The awards were organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions at Indore, Madhya Pradesh in October 2023.

Additionally, the SVAMITVA Scheme received the Gold award for the "Innovative Use of Technology in e-Governance for Digital Transformation" at the Digitech Conclave 2023 held in Goa in August 2023.

SVAMITVA Scheme: Transforming Rural Land Governance

The SVAMITVA Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, has significantly contributed to empowering rural communities across India. By harnessing cutting-edge drone surveys and GIS mapping technology, the scheme ensures accurate demarcation of land parcels. This not only mitigates disputes but also provides individuals with SVAMITVA Property Cards, facilitating property monetization, enabling bank loans, and promoting comprehensive village-level planning.

Technological Integration Milestones

With a target completion year of 2024–25, the SVAMITVA Scheme has achieved numerous milestones. The drone survey has been completed in 2.90 lakh villages, and 1.66 crore property cards have been prepared for 1.06 lakh villages to date. The scheme has been saturated with the generation of property cards for all inhabited villages in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Goa.

The integration of technology not only streamlines the documentation process but also marks a significant step towards a more transparent and efficient land administration system, fostering socio-economic progress in rural areas.