The Gujarat government has made a significant decision to help rural residents. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that the ₹200 fee for property ownership certificates, known as Sanads, will be waived. This change means that around 25 lakh villagers can now obtain their Sanads for free under the SVAMITVA Yojana.
The SVAMITVA Yojana, which stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas, aims to formalize property ownership in rural areas. This initiative uses drone technology to map village lands and issue official property cards. By providing these legal documents, the scheme helps reduce land disputes and gives residents recognition of their property rights.
With the removal of the ₹200 fee, Gujarat becomes one of the first states in India to offer both property cards and Sanads at no cost. The state has allocated approximately ₹50 crore to fund this initiative, ensuring that more people can access legal property documentation.
Rural property holders can benefit greatly from these Sanads. They will serve as formal proof of ownership. This allows them to access bank loans, claim inheritance rights, and make secure investments.
As of mid-2025, about 42.2 million people, or 57.4% of Gujarat’s population, live in rural areas. Despite urbanization, many residents still face challenges like low literacy rates and limited access to property documents. This initiative is a step towards empowering these communities and improving their living conditions.
The SVAMITVA Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24, 2020. It aims to transform rural India by providing property rights to landowners. The scheme has already made significant progress, with drone technology helping to accurately survey and document village lands.
The removal of the fee is expected to encourage more rural residents to apply for their Sanads. This is not just about saving money; it is about giving people the ability to prove ownership of their land. In many cases, having this documentation can open doors to financial opportunities that were previously unavailable.
The initiative also aligns with broader efforts in Gujarat to improve infrastructure and promote financial inclusion. By ensuring that rural inhabitants have access to legal property documents, the government is helping to minimize disputes and promote stability within communities.
In conclusion, the Gujarat government’s decision to waive the ₹200 fee for property ownership certificates is a significant step forward for rural residents. It helps to empower people by providing them with the necessary legal tools to secure their land and improve their livelihoods. As the SVAMITVA Yojana continues to roll out, it promises to change the landscape of rural property ownership in Gujarat for the better.