The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, is planning to launch the fourth phase of the PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This is a part of the 100-day agenda of the ministry under the new government. This will boost the local economy and create employment opportunities.
Key highlights
- The government is planning to connect 50,000 habitations with all-weather roads. Habitats with a population of more than 250 in plain regions and 100 in special areas will come under the plan. The government will select these habitations based on data from the 2011 Census.
- The focus will be on connecting villages with national highways and improving access to rural growth centres or clusters.
- The total cost of this road connectivity scheme is expected to be Rs 1.9 lakh crore. The Central government will contribute Rs 1.3 lakh crore, while concerned states will contribute 60,000 crore. Such a huge investment will propel the rural economy.
- The MoRD has sent the proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) for approval. The Union Cabinet will give the final approval.
What is Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana?
- The PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched on December 25, 2000, with the main objective of connecting isolated habitations with all-weather roads.
- The criteria for the selection of habitation was population size based on the Census 2001. It was above 500 in plain areas and above 250 in difficult terrains, such as Himalayan States, Deserts, North-Eastern States, and Tribal Areas.
- The first three phases were launched in 2000, 2013, and 2019. In these phases, the government not only built roads but also upgraded existing roads to improve connectivity.
- The first phase was fully funded by the Central Government. Later, in 2015, the funding method was changed. Now, the Central Government contributes 60% of the total fund in plain areas and 90% in special areas. The respective State governments contribute the remaining amount.
- In 2016, the government also launched the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) to resolve connectivity issues in such disturbed areas. Security issues in these areas have been affecting the pace of development. However, the construction is consistently progressing.
- Moreover, the PM Gram Sadak Yojana scheme faces various challenges, such as the lack of dedicated funds and limited participation of the Panchayati Raj Institutions, such as Gram Panchayat. Most of the rural areas, particularly in the plain, are affected by floods which also create hindrances in the progress of the scheme and the accomplishment of objectives.
