Gandhinagar: In a relief for rural property owners, the Gujarat government has announced that title deeds (Sanads) confirming ownership of residential properties in rural areas will now be provided free of cost under the Swamitva Yojana. Until now, beneficiaries were required to pay a survey fee of ₹200 as per provisions of the Land Revenue Act, 1879, to obtain the official title deed.

The Swamitva Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and implemented through the Panchayati Raj Department, aims to issue property cards to rural residents by mapping inhabited village areas using drone technology. These property cards establish legal ownership of land and residential properties and serve as a tool for financial empowerment in rural India.

Under the scheme, drone surveys are conducted to generate land records, and the first copy of the property card is already issued free of charge. With the new decision by the Gujarat government, the additional document—the official title deed—will also be provided without any fee.

The state government has allocated ₹50 crore for the initiative, which is expected to benefit around 25 lakh rural property holders across Gujarat.

Officials noted that the move will improve ease of living for rural citizens by enabling easier access to official property records. It is also expected to enhance rural development planning, ensure accurate tax collection, and reduce land disputes and legal conflicts.

By waiving the ₹200 fee, the state government aims to support poor and middle-income families, and further promote transparency and legal clarity in rural property ownership.