Prayagraj/Chandigarh- In a significant step towards rural empowerment, Punjab Governor and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Shri 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 2 Union Territories.
Governor Kataria commended the SVAMITVA Scheme as a transformative initiative for rural India, emphasizing 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 SVAMITVA Scheme is a game-changer for rural development, " the Governor remarked. "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."
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 SVAMITVA 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.
Governor Kataria lauded Prime Minister Modi's visionary leadership in initiating this historic program and expressed gratitude for the support extended to Punjab in its implementation. He also highlighted the joy and confidence among beneficiaries as a testament to the scheme's success.
As Punjab moves forward with its rural development agenda, the Governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging the SVAMITVA Scheme for creating transparent governance, reducing poverty, and enhancing economic opportunities for its citizens.
The event underscores Punjab’s active role in realizing the vision of an empowered and self-reliant rural India, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable and inclusive development.