Content

1. Building a Self-Reliant India
2. India: Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Building a Self-Reliant India

Context and Background

• Rural India lacked formal documentation of residential land, causing legal ambiguities, disputes, and restricted access to credit.
• SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) was launched on 24th April 2020 to address this gap using drone-based mapping.

Relevance : GS 2(Local Governance)

Vision and Objectives

• Empower rural citizens through legal ownership of land and homes.
• Facilitate access to institutional credit, government schemes, and infrastructure development.
• Promote dispute-free villages by reducing conflicts related to land ownership.
• Strengthen digital land governance and transparency.

Institutional Mechanism

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• Implementing Agency: Survey of India.
• Technology Partners: National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI).
• Funding: ₹566.23 crores from FY 2020–21 to FY 2024–25, extended to FY 2025–26.
• Multi-level support: Programme Management Units at national and state levels.

Key Achievements (as of April 2025)

• 2.42 crore property cards issued across 1.61 lakh villages.
• Drone surveys completed in 3.20 lakh villages, covering 68,122 sq. km.
• Full coverage in 4 states (AP, MP, UP, Chhattisgarh) and 3 UTs (Lakshadweep, Delhi, Ladakh).
• 65 lakh property cards distributed in one single event across 50,000+ villages.

Technological Innovation

• Drone-based high-resolution mapping of abadi areas for precise demarcation.
• CORS Network established for ground control and geo-referencing accuracy.
• GIS-based tools like “Gram Manchitra” aid in Gram Panchayat Development Planning (GPDP).
• Real-time Online Monitoring System ensures transparency and tracking of progress.

Empowerment and Impact

• Legal ownership enables economic independence: property used as collateral for loans.
• Women and marginalized communities gain secure tenure and dignity.
• Reduces rural-urban migration by creating local economic assets.
• Drives financial inclusion and supports the PM SVANidhi scheme, MGNREGA asset planning, etc.

Global Recognition

• Recognized as a model for digital land governance at the International Workshop on Land Governance (March 2025) with 22 participating nations.
• Showcased at India International Trade Fair 2024 as a successful use-case of drones, GIS, and e-governance for rural empowerment.

Components of SVAMITVA

• Drone Surveys: Core activity for accurate land records.
• IEC Campaigns: Ensure awareness and community participation.
• Digital Infrastructure: Mapping tools, dashboards, and GIS-based village planning.
• Capacity Building: Training for Panchayat officials and surveyors.

Challenges and Way Forward

• Scalability and sustainability of digital land records.
• Need for capacity building at grassroots for data management.
• Integrating SVAMITVA with other schemes like Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• Expanding land use planning and real-time mapping for agriculture, waste management, and infrastructure development.

Conclusion

• SVAMITVA is not just a land mapping scheme, but a tool for transforming rural India.
• It symbolizes Atmanirbhar Bharat by enabling economic resilience, inclusive growth, and participatory governance at the grassroots.
• With continued innovation and policy synergy, it can pioneer land governance reform globally.

India: Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Introduction

• The IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) reaffirms India’s position as the fastest–growing major economy for both 2025 and 2026.
• Projected GDP growth rates:
  • 6.2% in 2025
  • 6.3% in 2026
• Despite a slight downward revision from the January 2025 update, India’s growth remains robust amid global economic uncertainty.

Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy)

Significance of IMF’s WEO Projections

• The WEO is a flagship biannual IMF report tracking global and country-specific economic trends.
• The April 2025 edition indicates:
  • Global growth downgraded due to:
    • Heightened trade tensions
    • Rising tariff barriers
    • Increased policy uncertainty

• Global GDP projected at:
  • 2.8% in 2025
  • 3.0% in 2026
• In this subdued global climate, India stands out for its stable macroeconomic trajectory.

India’s Economic Strengths

• Resilient private consumption, especially in rural sectors, underpins India’s growth.
• Effective fiscal and monetary policies have buffered external shocks.
• Structural reforms have improved ease of doing business, credit access, and infrastructure readiness.

India in Global Comparison

• China’s growth forecast for 2025 reduced to 4.0% (from 4.6% earlier).
• US growth for 2025 revised down by 90 basis points to 1.8%.
• India’s projected growth is more than double that of advanced economies, reinforcing its status as a global economic engine.

Underlying Drivers of India’s Growth

• Demographic dividend: A young, dynamic workforce fuels innovation and productivity.
• Digital transformation: Initiatives like Digital India, UPI, and ONDC have revolutionized financial inclusion and commerce.
• Infrastructure development: Massive capital expenditure on roads, railways, renewable energy, and urban development.
• Startup ecosystem & FDI: India ranks among the top startup hubs and continues attracting record foreign investments.
• Macroeconomic stability: Low inflation (relatively), manageable fiscal deficit, and strong forex reserves.

Challenges & Risks Ahead

• Global headwinds:
  • Trade fragmentation
  • Geopolitical uncertainties (Middle East, Taiwan Strait, etc.)
  • Sluggish global demand

• Domestic concerns:
  • Persistent youth unemployment
  • Rising income inequality
  • Vulnerabilities in agriculture due to climate change
  • Need for deeper reforms in labour and land markets

Policy Implications & Road Ahead

• Sustaining momentum requires:
  • Continued infrastructure push
  • Enhancing skilling and education
  • Promoting green growth and energy transition
  • Deepening financial markets and credit access
• Strategic focus on innovation (AI, biotech, space economy) can create new growth frontiers.
• IMF’s reaffirmation enhances India’s global credibility, boosting investor confidence.

Conclusion

• India’s projected high growth amid global turbulence reflects strong fundamentals, policy resilience, and a rising global role.
• It positions India as a key contributor to global GDP growth, while opening up avenues for bilateral and multilateral economic leadership.
• The outlook serves as a call for consolidating gains, accelerating inclusive development, and embracing long-term sustainability.