The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM- VGSY) to improve grassroots governance and strengthen Rural Governance in India. The initiative supports Gram Panchayat Development and aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
About PM-VGSY
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
- Implementation period: 2026–27 to 2030–31, aligned with the Sixteenth Finance Commission period.
- Outlay: ₹7,395.55 crore.
- Coverage: More than 2.55 lakh Panchayats and traditional rural local bodies.
- Beneficiaries: Approximately 32 lakh elected representatives, officials and stakeholders.
- It builds upon the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and strengthens Panchayati Raj Institutions in India through improved capacity and governance.
Major Objectives
- Strengthen leadership and administrative skills of Panchayat representatives.
- Improve financial management, local planning and transparency.
- Promote digital governance and effective public service delivery.
- Support inclusive participation of women and marginalised communities.
- These objectives support Strengthening Gram Panchayats, Village Development Schemes and Rural Development Schemes in India.
Constitutional Significance
- The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 granted constitutional status to Panchayats.
- Part IX provides the constitutional framework for rural local governance and Local Self-Government in India.
- Article 243G concerns the devolution of powers to Panchayats.
- The Eleventh Schedule contains 29 subjects relevant to local development.
- The scheme is therefore relevant to Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana UPSC, Government Schemes UPSC and Indian Polity and Governance UPSC preparation.
