PRADHAN MANTRI GRAM SADAK YOJANA

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