Content:

1. Empowering Rural India
2. India’s Rural Connectivity Revolution

 Empowering Rural India

The Revolutionary Impact of SVAMITVA

• Launched on National Panchayati Raj Day (April 24, 2020), the SVAMITVA Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at the economic empowerment of rural India.

• Utilizing advanced drone and GIS technology, it provides property owners in village Abadi areas with a “Record of Rights.”

• This enables property monetization, access to bank loans, and reduces property disputes, fostering comprehensive village planning and supporting Gram Swaraj and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance )

Key Highlights

• Upcoming Milestone: On December 27, 2024, Hon’ble PM will distribute 57 lakh property cards across 46,351 villages in 10 states and 2 UTs during a virtual ceremony.

• Need for the Scheme:
  • Rural land surveys were incomplete for decades, leaving property owners without legal records.
  • This absence hindered access to credit and economic progress.
  • The SVAMITVA Scheme addresses this gap through drone–based surveys, modern mapping, and property validation.

Achievements

• Property Cards Distributed:
  • 57 lakh cards across 10 states (e.g., Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra) and 2 UTs (Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh).
  • 2.19 crore property cards prepared for nearly 1.49 lakh villages.

• Drone Surveys Completed:
  • 3.17 lakh villages, including all inhabited villages in Haryana, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Tripura, Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

• Digital Access:
  • Property cards available via DigiLocker for seamless viewing and downloading.

• Technology:
  • High-resolution maps generated using survey-grade drones and Continuous Operating Referencing System (CORS).

Innovations

• Real-time progress tracking through a centralized online dashboard.
• Enhanced accuracy and speed in rural land demarcation.

Impact

• Economic Empowerment: Enables property to serve as a financial asset, unlocking opportunities for loans and investment.

• Dispute Resolution: Reduces property-related disputes by providing legal ownership records.

• Comprehensive Planning: Facilitates better village–level development and governance.

Success Stories

• SVAMITVA has transformed rural governance by turning age-old challenges of land ownership into growth opportunities.

• With innovations in technology and inclusivity, it fosters self–reliance, smarter planning, and unification in rural India.

Conclusion

SVAMITVA is more than a government initiative; it is a catalyst for rural self–reliance and economic transformation. Through property validation and modern mapping, it lays the foundation for a stronger, unified rural India.

India’s Rural Connectivity Revolution

From Policy to Progress

Mobile and internet connectivity are pivotal in driving self-reliance (Aatma Nirbharta) and empowering women, particularly in rural areas. By bridging digital divides, these initiatives unlock opportunities, transform lives, and catalyze socio–economic development.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance)

Transformative Impact

• Example:
  • Mrs. Reena Kirar, leader of the Girja Devi Jan Kalyan Samiti in Madhya Pradesh, expanded her self–help group’s market reach using the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. This digital platform significantly boosted their income and confidence, demonstrating the power of connectivity in rural entrepreneurship.

Achievements in Connectivity Expansion

• Coverage Progress:
  • Of 6,44,131 villages, over 6,22,804 have mobile coverage, including 6,14,564 with 4G connectivity (as of September 2024).
  • Under the PM JANMAN Mission, mobile connectivity has been extended to 1,136 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations.
  • 1,018 mobile towers have been sanctioned to provide 4G connectivity to PVTG areas, with an estimated expenditure of ₹1,014 crore.

Key Government Initiatives

1. Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN):
   1. Ensures equitable access to communication services.
   1. As of December 2024:
      1. 8,730 mobile towers installed.
      1. 1.99 lakh villages covered under Bharat Broadband Network Limited.

• BharatNet Project:
  • Aims to connect every Gram Panchayat with affordable high-speed internet.
  • Achievements: Over 2.14 lakh Gram Panchayats connected.

• PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface):
  • Establishes public Wi-Fi hotspots to foster digital participation.
  • Progress: 2,47,076 hotspots established (as of December 2024).

Consumer Protection Initiatives

• Sanchar Saathi Portal: Enables citizens to track unauthorized mobile connections.
• Do Not Disturb (DND) Service: Blocks unsolicited calls and messages under TRAI’s 2018 regulations.
• AI Technology: TRAI uses AI to detect unregistered telemarketers and imposes penalties on non-compliant telecom providers.

Conclusion

• India’s rural connectivity revolution is bridging the digital divide and transforming the socio-economic landscape. Programs like DBN, BharatNet, and PM–WANI empower citizens and turn villages into vibrant hubs of opportunity. With a focus on inclusivity and innovation, the government is building a digitally empowered and self-reliant rural India.