In a significant move to empower rural citizens, 242 people in Odisha were handed property cards on Saturday under the SVAMITVA scheme. The initiative, aimed at enhancing economic activities and alleviating poverty, marks a milestone in property rights distribution for rural India.

The distribution in Odisha was part of a larger nationwide event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed 65 lakh property cards to beneficiaries across the country.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the event in Rayagada district, underscoring the importance of property rights in fostering economic development. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati also participated virtually from Raj Bhavan, emphasizing the scheme’s transformative potential for rural communities.

The SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is designed to provide rural landowners with property cards, which serve as proof of ownership. These cards enable landowners to access credit facilities and government schemes, thereby promoting financial inclusion.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the role of the scheme in improving rural livelihoods. “The SVAMITVA scheme is a landmark initiative that not only gives people ownership rights but also unlocks economic opportunities for them,” he said.

Beneficiaries in Rayagada expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that the property cards would help them secure loans and plan for a better future. The distribution drive is expected to bring about significant socio-economic changes in rural areas, providing a boost to the state’s development goals.

The Odisha government plans to expand the implementation of the SVAMITVA scheme to cover more villages in the coming months.