Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Launches Swamitva Yojana, Distributes Property Cards to Beneficiaries
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu officially inaugurated the Swamitva Yojana in Hamirpur, a significant step in the state's efforts to grant property ownership rights to its residents. The ceremony, which marked the launch of this ambitious scheme by the Revenue Department, saw the distribution of property cards to local villagers, an initiative aimed at formalizing land ownership in Abadi Deh areas—inhabited regions where residents have traditionally lacked formal land titles.
Objective and Scope of the Swamitva Yojana
The Swamitva Yojana is designed to address the longstanding issue of land tenure insecurity in rural areas by providing property cards to those residing in Abadi Deh areas. These areas are typically characterized by informal land settlements where traditional ownership is not officially documented. By issuing property cards, the scheme seeks to confer formal ownership rights, thereby enhancing the beneficiaries' access to official land records and fostering better land management.
During the inaugural event, Chief Minister Sukhu distributed property cards to families from 11 tehsils, with each tehsil receiving cards for ten families. This initiative represents the first phase of the program, during which over 4,230 families across 190 villages are expected to receive their property cards.
Implementation and Technological Integration
The implementation of the Swamitva Yojana involved advanced technological methods to ensure accuracy and efficiency in mapping and documenting land holdings. Drone-assisted mapping technology played a crucial role in this process, with a total of 13,599 out of 15,196 Abadi Deh villages being successfully mapped. This cutting-edge approach ensures high precision in identifying and recording land boundaries and ownership.
Additionally, the Indian Survey Department has provided a substantial number of maps to support the scheme’s implementation. First-level maps have been delivered for 6,314 villages, including those in Hamirpur, while 1,482 second-level maps for 774 villages and final-level maps for 355 villages are also in place. The availability of these detailed maps is essential for the accurate issuance of property cards and the effective management of land records.
Impact and Future Plans
Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted that Hamirpur has become a national model by being the first district in the state to grant ownership rights to families in Abadi Deh areas. This achievement is seen as a significant advancement in land administration and a testament to the successful implementation of the Swamitva Yojana.
The Chief Minister also noted that recent changes to the Land Revenue Code have streamlined the process of land mutations. Over the past six months, 1.57 lakh mutation cases have been processed, significantly reducing the need for repeated visits to revenue offices. These reforms are part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency of land administration and minimize bureaucratic hurdles for citizens.
In addition to land reforms, the Chief Minister announced initiatives to further enhance departmental operations and reduce public inconvenience. This includes setting up specific timelines for officers to resolve revenue-related matters and making procedural changes in land revenue manuals.
Additional Announcements and Community Contributions
During the event, Chief Minister Sukhu made several other notable announcements. He laid the foundation stone for a new colony for the State Tax and Excise Department in Pakka Bharo, with an investment of Rs. 1.82 crore. Additionally, he inaugurated the Bharari-Nandhan-Plassey road project, which is being developed at a cost of Rs. 5.59 crore. These projects are expected to contribute to the region’s infrastructure development and overall economic growth.
CM Sukhu also called upon affluent citizens and hoteliers to voluntarily relinquish government subsidies, including those for electricity and water, to support the state’s self-reliance and development initiatives. This appeal reflects a broader strategy to encourage community involvement in state development efforts.
The inauguration of the Swamitva Yojana by Chief Minister Sukhu marks a significant step forward in land ownership and administration in Himachal Pradesh. By formalizing land ownership in Abadi Deh areas and utilizing advanced technology for mapping, the scheme aims to provide security and clarity for thousands of families.
