Why in news?
A parliamentary panel has asked the Union Rural Development Ministry to tighten the supervision of road construction in rural areas under the PMGSY, indicating the use of poor-quality materials.
About Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
- It started as a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme launched in the year 2000 to provide all-weather rural road connectivity to eligible rural habitations.
- Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
- Eligibility: Population size >500 in plain areas and >250 in hills and other difficult areas.
- Funding Pattern: The funding pattern was revised to a 60:40 ratio between Centre and State in 2015-16, and a 90:10 ratio for Northeastern States and Himalayan States.
- The scheme has four verticals, (i) PMGSY I, (ii) PMGSY II, (iii) Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Areas (RCPLWEA), and (iv) PMGSY III.
- PMGSY I (2000): It was launched to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible habitations as per Census 2001.
- PMGSY-II (2013): It was launched with a target to upgrade 50,000 Km in various States and Union Territories.
- Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) (2016): It was launched for construction and upgradation of strategically important roads; mainly to improve the road connectivity in left wing extremism affected districts and adjoining areas.
- PMGSY-III (2019): It was launched for consolidation of 1,25,000 Km to connect major rural links connecting habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals.
Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
- Boosts rural incomes with new and alternative non-farm livelihood opportunities with increased mobility.
- Easier and increased access to markets: Ease of access to newer markets has helped boost family incomes.
- Rural roads lead to path of prosperity: Villagers are travelling to other towns and big cities for newer livelihood opportunities.
- Better access to health and education: rural roads have enabled school buses to reach far-flung villages, making it easier for children to get to school.
- Village roads bring women freedom and choice: More women and girls in villages are going to schools, accessing various facilities and becoming financially independent.
Challenges in achieving desired outcomes of PMGSY
Challenges in PMGSY | Committee Recommendations |
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