13-Dec-2022: Computers to Panchayats under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

Panchayat being State subject, providing computers and technical manpower for Gram Panchayats (GPs) is primarily the responsibility of States. However, under the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) scheme approved for implementation from 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2026, has been supplementing the efforts of all States, including Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, towards supporting functioning of GPs by providing computers for GPs as proposed by States in their Annual Action Plan and approved by Central Empowered Committee on a limited scale. District-wise information is not maintained centrally. Further, there is no provision under the scheme to provide technical manpower for Panchayat. As per the information available, out of 2,71,770 Gram Panchayats (GPs)/ Traditional Local Bodies (TLBs), 2,19,889 have been computerized and 51,881 GPs are yet to be computerized.

7-Dec-2022: Infrastructure Status of Gram Panchayats

As per information, there are 6,62,841 villages in the country. Further, out of 2,71,770 Gram Panchayats (GPs)/ Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) across the country, 51,508 are not having their own building.

‘Panchayat’ being State subject, providing infrastructural facilities such as Panchayat Building, electricity, computers etc. are primarily the responsibility of the States. However, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) supplements the efforts of the States, through its schemes and programmes.

Support for infrastructural facilities of computers & peripherals, electricity connections, water etc. in GPs is provided under various schemes/ programmes of MoPR viz. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), Central Finance Commission grants etc. Financial support on a limited scale for construction of GP Bhawans is provided to States under RGSA Scheme. Since 2018-19, approximately 10,556 GP Bhawans have been approved for construction.

7-Dec-2022: Under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan scheme, Rs 1,538.32 crore has been released to States/ UTs during the last three years

Panchayat being a State subject, their modernization, upgradation by providing infrastructure facilities to Gram Panchayat (GPs) is primarily the responsibility of the concerned State Government. However, under the scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been supplementing and complementing the efforts of State governments by providing financial support to States for certain infrastructural facilities such as Gram Panchayat Bhawans, computers and peripherals for GPs on a limited scale on demand from the states along with funding the capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Under RGSA scheme, funds to the tune of Rs. 1,538.32 crore has been released to States/ UTs during the last three years which includes construction of 7,972 Panchayat Bhawans and procurement of 16,407 number of computers and peripherals. During the same period, Rs.285.54 cr. has been released to the State of Uttar Pradesh that includes the construction of 3,204 number of Gram Panchayat Bhawans and procurement of 3,550 number of computers and peripherals.

In addition to provisions of computerization of Gram Panchayats, as steps towards digitization of Panchayats, the Ministry is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) to provide digital solutions such as e-GramSwaraj application that addresses planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring, payments by the Panchayats with a view to bring in transparency, accountability and efficiency in local governance. Besides, the application of Audit Online for auditing the Panchayat accounts on utilization of Finance Commission Funds has been put in place.

2-Aug-2022: Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

The scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) implemented during the period 2018-19 to 2021-22 was a demand driven in nature and involved multi-dimensional activities. Funds were sanctioned on the basis of annual plan proposals of States as approved by the Central Empowered Committee of RGSA. Releases were normally made in two installments, the first installment being 50% of the sanctioned amount after deducting the unspent balance available with State at the time of release. The quantum of release of funds was also depends on unspent balance of previous releases, availability of funds with Ministry, deficit in matching share, compliance of the directions received from Ministry of Finance and physical-financial progress reports furnished etc. The States which had high unspent balances and had not provided requisite utilization certificates etc. were not eligible for receiving full amounts, thus resulting in the gap between sanctioned and released amounts.

The scheme of RGSA has now been revamped on 13.04.2022 for implementation from 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2026. States/Union Territories has now been submitting their Annual Action Plan (AAP) under the revamped RGSA for consideration and approval of Plan by Central Empowered Committee meeting for release of fund.

27-Jul-2022: Access to e-GramSwaraj Portal

The Ministry launched eGramSwaraj, a work-based comprehensive application for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) under the e-Panchayat MMP on 24th April 2020. This application encompasses all aspects of Panchayat functioning viz. planning, budgeting, accounting, monitoring, asset management etc. on a single digital platform including online payments. So far, 2.48 lakh GPs have prepared and uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for 2022-23. In the State of Meghalaya, the Traditional Local Bodies have not uploaded their Gram Panchayat Development Plans on the eGramSwaraj portal.

The Ministry constantly engages with the States through virtual and physical training and enablement for States to adopt the eGramSwaraj application. Review meetings, workshops, hand-holding sessions, video conferences and visits by senior officials to States is undertaken regularly to review progress. A National Project Management Unit (NPMU) also coordinates/facilitates the implementation of this project.

For the year 2021-22, a total of 2.56 lakh GPs have uploaded their GPDPs on eGramSwaraj portal.

Under Digital India Programme, Ministry is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) with the aim to transform the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by making them more transparent, accountable, and effective. Building on the achievements in the past, Ministry has also integrated e-Gram SWARAJ with Public Financial Management System for Gram Panchayats to make real time payments to vendors/service providers. Further, Panchayats have adopted the mechanism to make payments to vendors through Public Financial Management System. Under 15th Finance Commission, 1.93 lakh GPs have carried online transactions during 2021-22.

Further, for ensuring timely audit of Panchayat accounts, MoPR has devised an online application– Audit Online (https://auditonline.gov.in). This application not only facilitates auditing of Panchayat accounts but also provides for maintaining audit records. This application streamlines the process for creating audit inquiries, draft local audit reports, draft audit-paras etc. Thus, proper maintenance of accounts by Panchayats is ensured, improving transparency and accountability.

19-Jul-2022: Restructuring of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

Government has restructured the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) as Revamped RGSA on 13.04.2022 for implementation from 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2026 at a total cost of ₹5911 crore including Central Share of ₹3700 crore and State share of ₹2211 crore.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to poverty, public, health, nutrition, education, sanitation, drinking water, livelihood generation etc., are covered within the purview of Panchayats. The primary objective of Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayats to deliver on SDGs which covered within the purview of Panchayats. Since Panchayats are the key player for implementation of SDGs in rural areas, States have been advised to integrate SDGs in their Training Plans and financial assistance under the scheme have been provided to States/ Union Territories for these training Plans as included in their respective Annual Action Plan.

Funds to the tune of Rs. 160.083 cr. had been released to the State of Maharashtra during last four years. No fund had been released to UTs of Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep.

The erstwhile scheme of RGSA was demand driven in nature and funds were released to States/ Union Territories (UTs) on the basis of approved Plans, submission of requisite documents viz. Utilization Certificate, Auditor’s Report etc. and compliance of other directions as and when issued by Government of India. States/ Union Territories including UTs of Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep have been advised to submit the requisite documents and compliance of directions for release of fund. Due to non-compliance of the requisite conditions, funds had not been released to UTs of  Dadar & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep. Further, under the scheme grants had been released to States as a whole and not districts-wise.

13-Apr-2022: Cabinet approves continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) from 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2026

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for implementation during the period from 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2026 (co-terminus with XV Finance Commission period) to develop governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Financial implications: The total financial outlay of the scheme is Rs.5911 crore with the Central Share of Rs.3700 crore and that of State Share of Rs.2211 crore.

Major impact including employment generation potential:

• The approved scheme of RGSA will help more than 2.78 lakh Rural Local Bodies including Traditional Bodies across the country to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources. The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials. Priority will be given to subjects of national importance principally under themes, namely: (i) Poverty free and enhanced livelihood in villages, (ii) Healthy Village, (iii) Child Friendly Village, (iv) Water Sufficient Village, (v) Clean and Green Village, (vi) Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Village, (vii) Socially Secured Village, (viii) Village with Good Governance, and (ix) Engendered Development in Village.
• As Panchayats have representation of Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and women, and are institutions closest to the grassroots, strengthening Panchayats will promote equity and inclusiveness, along with Social Justice and economic development of the community. Increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency. The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups. It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.
• Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria to recognise roles of Panchayats in attainment of SDGs and to inculcate spirit of healthy competition.
• No permanent post will be created under the scheme but need based contractual human resources may be provisioned for overseeing the implementation of the scheme and providing technical support to States/UTs for achieving goals under the scheme.

No. of beneficiaries: Around 60 lakh Elected Representatives, Functionaries and other stakeholders of Rural Local Bodies including Traditional Bodies across the country will be direct beneficiaries of the scheme.

Details:

1. The revamped RGSA will comprise Central and State components. The Central Components of the scheme will be fully funded by the Government of India. The funding pattern for State Components will be in the ratio of 60:40 among Centre and States respectively, except NE, Hilly States and Union Territory (UT) of J&K where Central and State share will be 90:10. However, for other UTs, Central share will be 100%.
2. he scheme will have both Central Component - National Level activities viz. National Plan of Technical Assistance, Mission Mode project on e-Panchayat, Incentivization of Panchayats, Action Research & Media and State component - Capacity Building & Training (CB&T) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Institutional support for CB&T, Distance learning Facility, Support for construction of Gram Panchayat (GP) Bhawan, co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in GP Bhawans and computer for GPs with special focus on NE States, Special Support for strengthening Gram Sabhas in PESA Areas, support for innovation, support for Economic Development & Income Enhancement support for Economic Development & Income Enhancement etc.
3. The implementation and monitoring of the activities of the scheme will broadly be aligned for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Panchayats are the focal points for all the developmental activities and implementation of schemes of various Ministries/ Departments and State Government to achieve SDGs.
4. Ministry under revamped RGSA will shift its focus towards capacitating the elected representatives of PRIs for Leadership Roles to develop effective third tier of Government to enable them to deliver on localization of SDGs principally for nine themes, namely: (i) Poverty free and enhanced livelihood in villages, (ii) Healthy Village, (iii) Child Friendly Village, (iv) Water Sufficient Village, (v) Clean and Green Village, (vi) Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Village, (vii) Socially Secured Village, (viii) Village with Good Governance, and (ix) Engendered Development in Village.
5. The scheme will also converge capacity building initiatives of other Ministries/ Departments for attainment of SDGs. The Sector Enablers of Rural Local Bodies including traditional bodies to be included in training programmes of different Ministries/ Departments, imparting training to the functionaries and other stakeholders in their respective domain.
6. To recognise roles of Panchayats in attainment of SDGs and to inculcate spirit of healthy competition. A greater role for the nodal ministries in assessment of performance of Panchayats and sponsoring of awards in the corresponding areas envisioned.
7. To provide in depth analysis, evidence based research studies and evaluation will be carried in the fields related to PRIs. Activities related to awareness generation, sensitizing rural masses, disseminating government policies and schemes through electronic, print, social and conventional media will be undertaken.

Implementation strategy and targets: The Central Government and the State Governments will take action for completing the activities approved for their respective roles. The State Government will formulate their Annual Action Plans for seeking assistance from the Central Government as per their priorities and requirement. The scheme will be implemented in a demand driven mode.

States/districts covered: This scheme will extend to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.

Background:

The then  Finance Minister, in his budget speech for 2016-17, announced the launch of new restructured scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), for developing governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In compliance of this announcement and the recommendations of the Committee under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chairman-NITI Aayog, Centrally Sponsored Scheme of RGSA was approved by the Union Cabinet on 21.04.2018 for implementation from Financial Year 2018-19 to 2021-22 (01.04.2018 to 31.03.2022).

Third party evaluation of RGSA undertaken during 2021-22. The evaluation report appreciated the interventions made under RGSA scheme and recommended its continuation for strengthening of PRIs. Further, CB&T is a continuous process, as every five years a majority of Panchayat representatives are elected as fresh entrants, required to be capacitated in terms of knowledge, awareness, attitude, and skills to perform their roles in local governance. Therefore, imparting basic orientation and refresher trainings to them is an inescapable requirement for equipping them to discharge their mandated functions efficiently and effectively. Hence, the proposal for continuation of revamped RGSA was prepared for implementation during the period from 01.04.2022 to 31.03.2026 (co-terminus with XV Finance Commission period).

Details and progress of scheme if already running:

1. Centrally Sponsored Scheme of RGSA was approved by the Union Cabinet on 21.04.2018 for implementation from Financial Year 2018-19 to 2021-22. The main Central Components were Incentivisation of Panchayats and Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayat including other activities at Central level. The State component primarily includes CB&T activities, institutional mechanism for CB&T along with other activities at limited scale.
2. Under scheme of RGSA including Incentivisation of Panchayats and Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayat, an amount of Rs.2364.13 crore released to the States/ UTs/ Panchayats and other implementing agencies from 2018-19 to 2021-22 (as on 31.03.2022).
3. Around 1.36 crore Elected Representatives, Functionaries and other stakeholders of PRIs received various and multiple Trainings under the scheme during 2018-19 to 2021-22 (as on 31.03.2022).

16-Mar-2022: Progress of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) in the Country

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, through its erstwhile schemes of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA)/ Capacity Building- Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (CB-PSA) had provided assistance to the States/ UTs for capacity building and training of Panchayat Elected Representatives (ERs) and other stakeholders, to enable them to perform their functions, including planning and implementation of development programmes, effectively and efficiently. The States were also provided support for establishment of Panchayat Resource Centres. Under these schemes, the States had taken up Capacity Building & Training (CB&T) of stakeholders on a large scale including e-enablement, thereby increasing the capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

To give further boost to capacity building of ERs and other stakeholders of PRIs, Government has approved on 21/04/2018 the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for implementation from 2018-19 to 2021-22 with the primary aim of strengthening PRI's for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening PRI's in the 117 Aspirational Districts.

The Framework for Implementation of RGSA has been prepared and shared with the States for implementation of the scheme of RGSA in a meaningful, concerted and result oriented manner

During the current financial year, Annual Action Plans of 33 States/ Union Territories (UTs) have been approved and an amount of Rs. 547.411 crore has been released to 23 States/ UTs for undertaking approved activities including Capacity Building & Training of ERs and other stakeholders. Nearly 25,75,636 participants have been trained during the current financial year.

2-Feb-2022: Digital development under RGSA

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) being implemented since 2018-19, the Ministry has provided financial support to the tune of Rs1508.728 crores to the States/ Union Territories (UTs) during the last three years for various activities relating to strengthening of Panchayats including Trainings on eGramSwaraj and support for e-Enablement of Panchayats viz. providing e-governance support group at State & District level, support for computers & peripherals for Gram Panchayats at limited scale. Under the scheme of RGSA, computers & peripherals have been approved for 37,516 Panchayats during the last three years. No support is provided to States for internet connection under the scheme of RGSA. However, as per information available out of 170136 service ready GPs, 58385 GPs are using active internet connections through BharatNet Project.

The Ministry has undertaken evaluation of scheme of RGSA during 2020-21. The evaluation report has appreciated the interventions made through the scheme of RGSA for enhancing the capabilities of Panchayats for good governance and attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through participatory local planning. It has underlined the need for paradigm shift in functioning of Panchayats, modest shift in Capacity Building and Training strategies, innovation in use of technology for responsive service delivery for transparency and accountability. The evaluation has recommended for the continuation of RGSA with suitable revamping to further improve the governance capabilities at third tier of Government for localisation of SDGs and to deliver on the targeted performance.

21-Dec-2021: Funds to Gram Panchayat Schemes

Under its scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), the Ministry of Panchayati Raj releases funds to States/UTs for strengthening the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). The funds are utilised by undertaking the activities sanctioned / permitted under their approved annual action plans. The progress of implementation of the schemes, including utilisation of funds, is closely monitored through meetings, video-conferences with the concerned States/UTs. For further release of funds to the States/UTs, the status of utilization of funds released earlier is also taken into account. In addition to this, an online monitoring and reporting system (MIS) for RGSA has been developed and operationalised. Moreover, transaction based Public Financial Management System (PFMS) has been introduced for release and tracking of funds under RGSA. Similarly, the utilisation certificates is insisted upon and obtained for the funds released under the scheme of Incentivisation of Panchayats before release of further funds as financial incentives to the good performing Panchayats selected under National Panchayat Award competition held annually. No complaints on misutilisation of funds under the two above schemes have been received in the Ministry.

14-Dec-2021: Capacity Building Programmes for Panchayats

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) launched in 2018-19, the Ministry has till date provided financial support to the tune of 1949.16 crores to the States/ Union Territories (UTs) for various activities relating to strengthening of Panchayats including Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) of Elected Representatives (ERs), Panchayat Functionaries (PFs) and other stakeholders of Panchayats.

The training area covers Panchayat Governance, Panchayat Finance, formulation & monitoring of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), Own Source Revenue generation, various schemes of Government, subjects of national importance such as Primary health & Immunisation, Nutrition, Education, Sanitation, Water conservation etc. and the role of Panchayats therein. Trainings are also conducted for eGramSwaraj and Audit online to cater to various aspects of Panchayat functioning including planning, budgeting accounting, audit & delivery of citizen services. Exposure visits of ERs and Panchayat functionaries have been scaled up to promote learning through peer exchange and development of model panchayats as peer learning centres.

8-Dec-2021: Strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions

Ministry  of  Panchayati  Raj has  been  implementing  Centrally  Sponsored  Scheme  of Rashtriya  Gram  Swaraj Abhiyan  (RGSA)  with effect from   financial  year  2018-19  with  the primary  objective  of  developing  governance  capabilities  of  Panchayati  Raj  Institutions  to deliver  on  Sustainable  Development  Goals.  Under the scheme, financial support to States/ UTs is being provided for Capacity Building &Training, training infrastructure and Human Resource support for training, Strengthening of Gram Sabhas in Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas, Distance Learning Facility via Internet Protocol based, Support for Innovations, Technical support to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Financial Data and Analysis Cell, Panchayat Buildings, e-enablement of Panchayats, Project based funding for Economic Development and Income Enhancement, Information Education Communication and Project Management Unit to strengthen Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).

Funds under RGSA are released to States and not to Districts. The details of funds released to States/ UTs including Andhra Pradesh under the scheme of RGSA during the last three years and current year is at Annexure. The release of funds under the scheme has led to the actualization of approved activities thereby strengthening Rural Local Bodies (RLBs).

Since the Fourteenth Finance Commission award period is over, the grants as recommended by Fifteenth Finance Commission are now being released. The  Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) has recommended  Rural Local Body Grants of Rs. 60,750 crore for the year 2020-21 and  Rs. 2,36,805 crore for the five year period 2021-26 to 28 States for all tiers of Panchayats including  Traditional Bodies of non-Part IX areas. For the year 2020-21, Rs. 60704.50 crore has been released by Ministry of Finance. For the year 2021-22, Rs. 22327.90 has been released by Ministry of Finance. Release of subsequent installments of grants under XV FC award is subject to submission of grant transfer certificate for the previous installments drawn and compliance of other stipulated conditions by the States.

7-Dec-2021: Training to Public Representatives

The Government has been implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) w.e.f 2018-19 with the primary aim of strengthening governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Scheme envisages enhancing the capacities of Panchayats through a concerted, capacity building process and expansion of outreach and coverage of training. It aims to strengthen Gram Sabhas to function effectively as the basic forum of people’s participation with focus on vulnerable groups. RGSA has programmatic focus on ensuring basic orientation training for the Elected Representatives (ERs) of Panchayats within 6 months of their election, and refresher trainings within two years. It lays greater thrust for e-enablement of Panchayats, for e-governance to enhance efficiency and transparency.

The Government has not proposed to organize any special training programme for imparting training to the public representatives in municipal bodies with respect to their rights, duties and powers. However, under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT), 56310 functionaries and elected representatives have been trained so far. Segregated information of functionaries & elected representatives is not maintained by the Government.

23-Jul-2021: New Panchayats under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

The restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is being implemented with effect from 2018-19 across all States/UTs with the primary aim of strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals with main thrust on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions in 117 Aspirational districts.

Under the scheme funds have been released to the States/Union Territories for different activities meant for strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions viz Capacity Building &Training, training infrastructure and Human Resource support for training, Strengthening of Gram Sabhas in Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas, Distance Learning Facility via Internet Protocol based, Support for Innovations, Technical support to Panchayati Raj Institutions, Financial Data and Analysis Cell, Panchayat Buildings, e-enablement of Panchayats, Project based funding for economic development and income enhancement, Information Education Communication and Project Management Unit. The funds are not released district-wise/Panchayat-wise under the scheme. The details of funds released to States/Union Territories during 2018-19 to 2020-21 under the scheme is at Annexure

Under the scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan there is no provision for forming new Panchayats. Formation or reorganization of Panchayats is done by the respective States/ Union Territories as per their requirement. As per information available, number of Gram Panchayats as on 31.03.2018 and as on date is 223765 and 255524 respectively.

24-Apr-2018: PM launches Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan today, at a public meeting, in Mandla in Madhya Pradesh. He unveiled a Road Map for overall development of tribals during the next five years.

He laid the foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant of Indian Oil Corporation at Maneri, Mandla District. He also launched a Local Government Directory. 

The Prime Minister felicitated the Sarpanches of villages which have achieved 100 percent smokeless kitchens, 100 percent vaccination under Mission Indradhanush, and 100 percent electrification under Saubhagya Scheme.

Addressing Panchayati Raj representatives across the country, from Mandla, the Prime Minister recalled Mahatma Gandhi's call for Gramoday to Rashtroday, and Gram Swaraj. He said he is delighted to be in Madhya Pradesh on National Panchayati Raj Day. He added that Mahatma Gandhi always highlighted the importance of villages and spoke about 'Gram Swaraj'. He called upon everyone to reaffirm the commitment to serving our villages.

The Prime Minister said that while talking about rural development, budgets are important. But, he added, there is a shift in the discourse in the last few years. People are now talking about the need to ensure that money allocated for a project is utilised and it is done in a timely as well as transparent manner, he said.

He urged people to focus on the education of their children, and added that this is essential for the child's future.

The Prime Minister underscored the efforts towards self-reliance in the agriculture sector. He urged the Panchayat representatives to pay attention to water conservation, and to ensure that every drop of water is conserved.

Shri Narendra Modi spoke of the importance of Jan Dhan Yojana for financial inclusion; Van Dhan Yojana for empowering tribal communities; and Gobar-Dhan Yojana for making farmers more self-reliant, besides converting waste into energy.

He said that a transformation of villages would ensure a transformation of India.

The Prime Minister also said that the recent steps taken by the Union Government will be beneficial in furthering the safety of women.

21-Apr-2018: Cabinet approves the restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today gave its approval for restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).  

Expenditure:

The Scheme will be implemented during the period from 01.04.2018 to 31.03.2022 at the total cost of Rs. 7255.50 crore with the Central Share of Rs. 4500 crore and that of State Share of Rs. 2755.50 crore.

Details:

1. This scheme will extend to all States and UTs of the Country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist,
2. The scheme will have both    Central Component - National Level activities including "National Plan of Technical Assistance", "Mission Mode project on e-Panchayat", "Incentivization of Panchayats" and State component - Capacity Building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs),
3. The Central Component will be fully funded by the Government of India. However, Centre: State funding pattern for State Component will be 60:40 for all States, except North East and Hill States where Centre: State funding pattern will be 90:10.  For all Union Territories (UTs) (with and without legislatures), the Central share will be 100%.
4. The implementation and monitoring of the activities of the scheme will broadly be aligned for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on Panchayats identified under Mission Antyodaya and 115 Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog.
5. The Scheme will converge capacity building initiatives of other Ministries with particular focus on those Ministries which will be impacted substantially by this Scheme,
6. Sunset date for RGSA will be 31.03.2030.

States/districts covered: This scheme will extend to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.

Impact: The approved scheme of RGSA will help more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources. The key principles of SDGs, i.e. leaving no one behind, reaching the farthest first and universal coverage, along with gender equality will be embedded in the design of all capacity building interventions including trainings, training modules and materials. Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affects the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, sanitation, education, water conservation, digital transactions etc.

The scheme is designed keeping in view programmatic convergence with Mission Antyodaya GPs and 115 Aspirational districts as identified by NITI Aayog. As Panchayats have representation of Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and women, and are institutions closest to the grass­roots, strengthening Panchayats will promote equity and inclusiveness, along with Social Justice and economic development of the community.

Increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency. The scheme will strengthen Gram Sabhas to function as effective institutions with social inclusion of citizens particularly the vulnerable groups. It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure. Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.

Implementation strategy and targets: The Central Government and the State Governments will take action for performing and completing the activities approved for their respective roles. The State Government will formulate their Annual Action Plans for seeking assistance from the Central Government as per their priorities and requirement. The scheme will be implemented in a demand driven mode.

Background: The Finance Minister, in his budget speech for 2016-17, announced the launch of new restructured scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), for developing governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A Committee under the Chairmanship of the Vice Chairman-NITI Aayog was constituted to restructure the existing scheme of this Ministry as Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.

The Committee held several meetings, consultations etc. with various stakeholders and submitted its report with set of recommendations which were accepted by Government and formed the basis for the formulation of this scheme.

In his Budget Speech for 2017-18, the Finance Minister announced to undertake a Mission Antyodaya to bring one crore households out of poverty to make 50,000 Gram Panchayats poverty free. Accordingly, convergent action with Mission Antyodaya has been integrated into this scheme.