In a significant legislative push, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken a concrete step to provide permanent legal sanctity to property records created under the central SVAMITVA Scheme. The move aims to bring clarity, reduce conflicts, and unlock economic opportunities for millions of rural residents.
The Legislative Framework: Uttar Pradesh Rural Population Records Bill, 2025
State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh informed the Vidhan Sabha about the introduction of The Uttar Pradesh Rural Population Records Bill, 2025. The bill was tabled during the ongoing Winter Session 2025 of the Assembly. Its core objective is to establish a robust statutory system for the management, regular updating, and protection of rural residential property records. These records are primarily generated through advanced drone-based surveying technology.
Massive Scale of Implementation and Key Benefits
Minister Singh detailed the scheme's expansive reach in the state. Under SVAMITVA, approximately 1.10 lakh villages in Uttar Pradesh were notified for survey. Out of these, drone surveys have been successfully completed in more than 90,500 villages. The data collected has led to the preparation of a staggering over 1.06 crore Gharauni (ownership documents) as of May 9, 2025. Of these, over 1.01 crore documents have already been distributed to rural households.
The minister emphasized that the primary goal is to conduct precise surveys of inhabited rural areas and furnish residents with unambiguous proof of ownership. This Gharauni document is not just a record; it is a financial tool. It can be used by property owners to secure bank loans, access various financial services, and avail themselves of other government benefits, thereby integrating rural assets into the formal economy.
Expected Outcomes: Transparency, Dispute Reduction, and Revenue
The proposed legislation is expected to yield multiple long-term advantages. By creating a clear and legally backed digital record of property, the bill aims to drastically improve transparency in rural land administration. It is also projected to minimize property-related disputes and litigation, which are common and often protracted in rural areas. Furthermore, a definitive property record will strengthen the taxation and revenue collection system for local bodies, enabling better governance and infrastructure planning.
This move by the Uttar Pradesh government marks a critical transition from a survey-based scheme to a rights-based, legally enforceable framework, potentially transforming rural property ownership and economic mobility.
