Gandhinagar: In a major relief to rural property holders, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupendra Patel has announced that Sanad (Ownership Certificates) under the SVAMITVA Yojana will now be issued completely free of cost across Gujarat. This people-centric decision aims to eliminate the financial burden previously imposed on rural citizens seeking legal documentation for their residential properties.
₹200 Sanad Fee Abolished for Rural Property Owners
Until now, rural residents were required to pay a ₹200 fee under the Land Revenue Act, 1879 to obtain Sanad (ownership certificate) after receiving their property card under SVAMITVA. With the Chief Minister’s directive, this fee has been waived. The first copy of the property card and the Sanad will now be provided at no cost to eligible rural property holders.
This move is set to benefit approximately 25 lakh property holders, with the state government allocating around ₹50 crore to cover the cost of issuing these certificates.
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Advancing the Vision of Ease of Living and Rural Empowerment
The waiver reflects the Gujarat Government’s commitment to strengthening the Ease of Living for its rural population. CM Bhupendra Patel emphasized that the step will especially help small, poor, and middle-class families in rural areas gain legal property rights without additional financial burden.
By receiving Sanad and property cards, rural citizens can confidently use their property as a financial asset—securing loans, reducing land disputes, and supporting long-term development.
SVAMITVA Yojana: Empowering Rural India with Technology
The SVAMITVA Yojana (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas), was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. The scheme utilizes drone technology to survey Abadi (inhabited) areas in villages and issues property cards to rightful owners.
This nationwide initiative aims to:
- Ensure clear ownership rights
- Enable digital mapping of rural land
- Support property tax collection
- Drastically reduce legal disputes
Lay a foundation for transparent governance and planning
State Government’s Supportive Role
By absorbing the Sanad fee, the Gujarat Government has not only removed a financial hurdle but also increased accessibility to legal documentation for property ownership. This will significantly boost rural citizens’ confidence in leveraging their property rights for economic development.
Key Benefits of the Decision:
- 25 lakh beneficiaries in rural Gujarat
- ₹200 Sanad fee waived
- Estimated ₹50 crore cost borne by state government
- Promotes Ease of Living, transparency, and rural empowerment
- Legal backing for rural property ownership through drone surveys
