July 12, 2023
"Jaga Mission: Securing Land Rights and Promoting Inclusive Urban Development in Odisha"
The Jaga Mission is an initiative launched by the government of Odisha in India to provide land and property rights to urban slum dwellers. The mission was launched in October 2018, with the aim of benefiting around 200,000 families living in slums across 114 towns and cities in the state.
Under the Jaga Mission, slum dwellers are provided with a certificate of land ownership, which gives them the right to own and develop the land on which their dwelling is built. The certificate is also meant to serve as a proof of identity, which can be used for accessing various government services and schemes.
The Jaga Mission is a significant step towards securing the land rights of slum dwellers in Odisha. Historically, slum dwellers have been at risk of eviction, as they often live on land that is owned by the government or private entities. This has resulted in a lack of security of tenure for slum dwellers, who often have to live in fear of being evicted without notice.
The Jaga Mission has several key features that make it a unique and innovative initiative. First, the mission involves a comprehensive survey of slums in urban areas to identify eligible beneficiaries. This survey is carried out by a team of trained surveyors, who collect data on the number of households, the size of the dwelling, and the nature of the land on which the dwelling is built.
With support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), SPARC India Ltd. (Spatial Planning & Analysis Research Center) undertook profiling and tenability of all slums under Bhubaneswar Municipality Corporation (BMC) areas using geospatial technology. The study included status of urban services, land ownership, tenability from safety, health public utility and environmental considerations.
Having identified tenable slums, SPARC further undertook a detailed study of Rangamatia slum cluster (a cluster of 6 slums with 5 having land ownership) for re-development planning. Large-scale land-use map of the cluster and periphery was generated using high-resolution satellite image (HRSI) and Differential GPS based control survey.
Layout and contouring of the slum land including in-premise survey were carried out using Electronic Total Station. The survey map outputs were for planning and development of slum infrastructure, housing and social amenities.
Once the survey is completed, eligible slum dwellers are issued a certificate of land ownership, which is recognized by the government as a valid proof of ownership. The certificate is issued in the name of the female head of the household, in order to promote gender equality and empowerment.
Another important feature of the Jaga Mission is the involvement of the community in the process of land ownership. The mission has established Community Resource Persons (CRPs) in each slum, who are responsible for mobilizing and engaging with the community to create awareness about the mission and the benefits of land ownership. The CRPs also assist the surveyors in collecting data and identifying eligible beneficiaries.
The Jaga Mission has several benefits for slum dwellers in Odisha. Firstly, it provides them with a sense of security and stability, as they can now own and develop the land on which their dwelling is built. This can lead to improvements in their living conditions, as they are more likely to invest in their homes and make improvements.
Secondly, the certificate of land ownership provides slum dwellers with a proof of identity, which can be used to access various government services and schemes. This can be particularly important for marginalized communities, who may face challenges in accessing basic services such as healthcare and education.
Lastly, the Jaga Mission has the potential to promote inclusive and sustainable urban development in Odisha. By providing slum dwellers with land ownership, the mission can help to formalize informal settlements, which can lead to improved urban planning and infrastructure development.
Overall, the Jaga Mission is a significant initiative that has the potential to transform the lives of slum dwellers in Odisha. The mission has already made significant progress, with over 100,000 certificates of land ownership issued to eligible beneficiaries. While there are still challenges to be addressed, such as ensuring the sustainability of the initiative, the Jaga Mission is a step in the right direction towards securing land rights and promoting inclusive urban development.
