India made a significant impact at the World Bank Land Conference 2025, held from 5th to 8th May 2025 in Washington D.C. Led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, India served as a Country Champion. The conference spotlighted India’s SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra platform as models of inclusive and technology-driven rural governance. This is a crucial current affairs topic for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking.
SVAMITVA Scheme: Transforming Rural India
Empowering Communities
During the Plenary Session on “Good Practices and Challenges in Land Tenure and Governance Reform”, the SVAMITVA Scheme was highlighted for providing secure land ownership. This initiative has surveyed 68,000 sq. km of land, monetizing Rs.1.16 trillion worth of property. It improves livelihoods, empowers women, and enhances access to credit. Real-life stories of farmers, women, and small entrepreneurs showcased the transformative impact of property rights and formalized land records.
Special Session on Land Rights
Securing Land for a Billion
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj hosted a high-level session titled “Securing Land Rights for a Billion People”. Attended by World Bank representatives and delegates from various countries, the session detailed the SVAMITVA Scheme’s implementation, including drone surveys, legal frameworks, property card issuance, and institutional convergence. The scheme was praised as a scalable model for inclusive economic transformation.
Gram Manchitra: A Geospatial Revolution
Empowering Local Governance
In the technical session on “Establishing the Land Foundation for Climate Action and Disaster Risk Management” on 8th May, Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, MoPR, presented the Gram Manchitra platform. This geospatial tool enables Gram Panchayats to create data-driven development plans. It supports climate resilience, infrastructure planning, and scheme convergence, earning praise for its relevance to the Global South.
Key Features of Gram Manchitra
Driving Sustainable Development
Gram Manchitra promotes disaster preparedness and inclusive development through:
- Capacity building for local governance.
- Financial incentives for sustainable planning.
- Community engagement for inclusive growth.
Its innovative approach positions it as a forward-looking solution for global challenges.
Global Recognition and Impact
Models for the World
The SVAMITVA Scheme and Gram Manchitra were celebrated at the World Bank Land Conference for their technology-driven and inclusive approaches. These initiatives demonstrate India’s leadership in rural governance and economic empowerment, making them essential topics for current affairs preparation.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Study Resource for Aspirants
India’s participation in the World Bank Land Conference 2025 and its SVAMITVA and Gram Manchitra initiatives are key current affairs topics for competitive exams. Topics like land reforms, rural development, and geospatial technology are frequently tested in exams like IAS, IBPS, and RRB. Stay updated with GKboard.in for concise, exam-focused content.