Washington, DC: India reinforced its global leadership in inclusive land governance at the prestigious World Bank Land Conference 2025, with the revolutionary SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme taking center stage.
As a ‘Country Champion’ at the plenary session, Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted India’s pioneering role in rural land reforms, technological innovation, and data-driven spatial planning. He described SVAMITVA as a game-changer that is unlocking property rights and financial access for millions of rural Indians.
Learn more about the official SVAMITVA Scheme on the Ministry’s website.
SVAMITVA’s Transformational Impact
Since its inception under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the SVAMITVA scheme has surveyed over 68,000 square kilometers of rural land, unlocking nearly $1.16 trillion in assets. Through legal land titles, rural citizens are gaining dignity, security, and opportunities to access credit and expand livelihoods.
During his address, Bharadwaj shared real-life stories of impact—a dairy farmer in Madhya Pradesh who expanded his business using land as collateral, and a mother in Rajasthan who financed her daughter’s education abroad thanks to her land ownership. These stories exemplify how the scheme converts land into a true empowerment asset.
Read how Digital India is transforming rural economies through initiatives like SVAMITVA.
Technological Backbone and Federal Strategy
Bharadwaj explained the comprehensive strategy behind SVAMITVA, including:
- Amending state laws and survey regulations
- Setting up Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) for accurate drone mapping
- Coordination with states under India’s federal system to ensure smooth implementation
This model has positioned India as a global thought leader in integrating technology and governance for land reforms.
Explore how GIS is empowering Indian villages with real-time planning data.
Spotlight on Gram Manchitra
As part of the conference, India is also showcasing ‘Gram Manchitra’, a GIS-based spatial planning platform for grassroots decision-making. On Thursday, Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will present how this tool enables Panchayats to make informed decisions for sustainable development and resilient village planning.
Global Collaboration and Cross-Regional Learning
The event titled “Securing Land Rights for a Billion People” is drawing participation from senior advisors representing Africa, Latin America, Central and South Asia, and Southeast Asia. The goal is to foster cross-regional dialogue and cooperation with countries that face similar land administration challenges.
India is now being looked upon as a model for scalable, inclusive, and tech-enabled land governance. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj aims to share its experience and collaborate with other nations to adapt SVAMITVA-like initiatives globally.
Explore more on Modi Government’s key rural initiatives supporting local governance and economic inclusion.
Conclusion
India’s presence at the World Bank Land Conference 2025 is not just symbolic—it reflects a commitment to rural empowerment through innovation, inclusivity, and strategic policy implementation. The SVAMITVA scheme is now a global case study in converting land rights into tools of prosperity, dignity, and development.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s rural transformation efforts and the latest from international development forums.
