Free property registration for 4.8 million people under SVAMITVA scheme; cotton market fee halved
Providing major relief to over 4.8 million (48 lakh) plot holders under the SVAMITVA scheme, the Madhya Pradesh government has issued an ordinance completely waiving panchayat cess, stamp duty, and registration fees. Following this decision, eligible beneficiaries will be able to register their properties free of cost. The government may also introduce a bill regarding this in the upcoming monsoon session.
The 'SVAMITVA Record of Rights Execution and Registration Scheme-2026' was approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav. The scheme aims to register the 'Records of Rights' prepared under the SVAMITVA scheme, thereby facilitating plot holders in rural areas to obtain bank loans against their properties. This will enable beneficiaries to secure financial assistance for home construction, agricultural activities, self-employment, and small businesses. According to the government, this decision will strengthen the economic status of lakhs of rural families in the state. The scheme will entail a financial burden of approximately ₹3,800 crore on the state government.
To implement this decision, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department and the Registration Department have issued separate notifications. A high-level committee, chaired by the Commissioner of Land Resource Management, will be constituted to oversee the scheme's implementation, formulate guidelines, and conduct periodic reviews. A sum of ₹10 crore has also been sanctioned at the state level for the scheme's publicity and public awareness activities.
Meanwhile, the state government has reduced the market fee (mandi fee) on cotton from 1 percent to 0.50 percent. Under the new arrangement, a market fee of only 50 paise will be charged for every ₹100 of the cotton's value. The government believes this will directly benefit the state's approximately 158 ginning mills. Lowering industrial costs will enhance competitiveness and curb the migration of industries to neighboring states, such as Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, the standard market fee in agricultural produce markets has been raised from 1 percent to 1.50 percent. The government estimates an additional revenue of approximately ₹500 crore from these new rates. This amount will be utilized for the development of cold storage facilities, warehouses, processing units, and logistics infrastructure. A portion of the increased fee will also be spent on farmer welfare, agricultural research, the road fund, and agricultural infrastructure development.
