JustBaazaar Editor September 21, 2024

India’s vast rural landscape is the backbone of the country, and the development of infrastructure in these areas plays a crucial role in national progress. One such transformative initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Launched in 2000 by the Government of India, this scheme aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages across the country, enhancing rural access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services.

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With the objective of providing rural connectivity, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (referred to as PMGSY-I hereinafter) on 25th December 2000 to provide all-weather access to eligible unconnected habitations with a population of up to 500(Census 2001) in plain area and 250 and above in Special category States(States of North East, Jammu, and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand), Desert Area as identified by Desert Development Program and 88 selected Backward Districts as identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs/Planning Commission as a strategy for poverty alleviation.
As of 8th December 2021, a total of 6,80,040 km of road length has been constructed under various interventions of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The primary objective of PMGSY concerns building robust, all-weather roads in rural habitations and other core areas. Panchayati Rajs and elected local representatives decide which habitations to be selected. This scheme was centrally funded only up to 2015-16. Since then, the funds have been divided between the Centre and the State. For North Eastern and Himalayan States (Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh) 90% of a project is the Union Government funds, and 10% of this cost, is the State Government funds. For the Other States, the Union Government funds around 60% of a project while the remaining 40% is by State Government funds.
Some prominent features of PMGSY are –
Proper decentralized planning for the building of roads.
Build roads according to the Indian Road Congress and Rural Roads Manual.
3-tier quality management system.
An unbroken flow of funds.

Objectives of PMGSY

The primary objective of PMGSY is to connect all villages with populations of:

  • 500 persons or more in plain areas.
  • 250 persons or more in hill states, tribal areas, and desert regions.

By doing so, the program seeks to:

  1. Improve rural connectivity for economic and social activities.
  2. Facilitate easy transportation of agricultural goods and rural produce to nearby markets.
  3. Enhance access to healthcare and education, critical in improving the overall quality of life for rural populations.

Key Features of PMGSY

  1. Focus on Unconnected Habitations: The scheme specifically targets villages that were previously disconnected from the main road networks.
  2. All-Weather Roads: Roads built under PMGSY are designed to withstand all weather conditions, ensuring year-round connectivity.
  3. Decentralized Planning: Planning and implementation are done at the district level, ensuring that local needs and challenges are taken into consideration.
  4. Use of New Technologies: The program encourages the use of advanced and eco-friendly technologies in road construction, ensuring longevity and sustainability.
  5. Quality and Maintenance: There is a strong emphasis on the quality of construction, with independent agencies monitoring the works. Roads built under the scheme also come with a five-year maintenance guarantee by the contractor.

Benefits

The benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are –
1. All-weather connection to the hamlets that are least or not connected.
2. Overall Development of the country allows for easy movement of goods and vehicles.
3. There are better employment opportunities for those from villages thanks to road connections.

Eligibility

1. A region must be a habitation. It cannot be a hamlet or revenue village to be eligible for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
 
2. The Central Government describes habitation as a population cluster residing within an area that remains constant over time. Some of the local words used to describe a habitation are:
Majras, Desam, Hamlets, Tolas, Dhanis
 
3. The hamlet must have a higher population as per the 2001 Census to be eligible for road connection. The eligible habitations have a population of above 500 persons in plain areas and around 250 persons and above in hilly areas.

Application Process

Offline
The list of road works to be taken up under the Programme will be finalized each year by the District Panchayat in accordance with the allocation of funds communicated to the district. The District Panchayat has to ensure along with the consultative process, that the lists of proposed road works are part of the Core Network and that new connectivity is given priority.

Documents Required

The release of the second installment in a year shall be subject to the submission of the following documents:
 
1. Utilisation Certificate for the funds released earlier, year-wise in the form prescribed.
2. Certificate by the Bank Manager indicating the balance amount on the date of issue of the Certificate and the interest credited.
3. A Certificate regarding the requisite physical completion of works
4. For all releases after October of a year, production of an Audited Statement of Accounts and a Balance Sheet and related Statements, duly certified by the Chartered Accountant for the accounts of the previous financial year.
5. Outputs of the relevant modules of the OMMAS, duly certified by the SRRDA as being correct and verified by the NRIDA
6. A certificate from the CEO of SRRDA that Maintenance funds required as per maintenance contracts in force had been spent during the previous financial year. For releases after May of a year, the certificate should also include that 50% of such maintenance fund requirements for the current Financial Year have been released by the State, whereas for releases after November, the certificate should be for 100% of such funds.

Impact of PMGSY

Since its inception, PMGSY has had a transformative impact on rural India. Some of the notable outcomes include:

  • Enhanced Economic Activity: With improved road connectivity, farmers can now transport their produce to markets with ease, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing their income.
  • Better Access to Services: Villages now have better access to healthcare facilities and schools, significantly improving health outcomes and literacy rates in rural areas.
  • Reduction in Rural-Urban Migration: Improved infrastructure has contributed to creating more opportunities within rural areas, reducing the need for migration to urban centers.
  • Social Empowerment: Women, children, and marginalized sections of society benefit from improved mobility, gaining easier access to employment, education, and social services.

Challenges and Way Forward

While PMGSY has been a success, challenges remain. Delays in project execution, land acquisition issues, and funding gaps occasionally hinder progress. Additionally, climate change and extreme weather events pose new challenges to the durability of rural roads.

Going forward, integrating sustainable practices and ensuring better coordination between central and state governments will be key to overcoming these hurdles. The focus should also shift towards the maintenance of these roads to ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been a game-changer in rural development, connecting millions of people to essential services and opportunities. By providing all-weather road connectivity, it is empowering rural communities, fostering economic growth, and laying the foundation for a more inclusive and developed India.

As the scheme continues to evolve, its role in building a resilient and connected rural India will only grow, ensuring that no village is left behind in the journey toward progress.

Top 20 FAQs on Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

1. What is the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)? PMGSY is a government initiative launched in 2000 aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages in rural India, focusing on enhancing rural infrastructure.

2. What is the primary objective of PMGSY? The primary objective is to provide all-weather road access to unconnected habitations, especially those with populations of 500 or more in plains and 250 or more in hilly, tribal, or desert areas.

3. Who is eligible for road connectivity under PMGSY? Villages with a population of 500+ in plains and 250+ in hill states, desert areas, or tribal regions are eligible for road connectivity under the scheme.

4. How is PMGSY funded? The program is primarily funded by the Central Government, but states contribute a share as well. Funding is often sourced from fuel cess or special budget allocations.

5. What types of roads are constructed under PMGSY? The scheme focuses on building all-weather roads, meaning they can be used throughout the year, even during monsoon seasons, ensuring consistent connectivity.

6. How is the quality of roads ensured under PMGSY? PMGSY emphasizes strict quality control with independent quality monitors. Contractors are responsible for road maintenance for five years after construction, ensuring long-term durability.

7. Who implements the PMGSY scheme? Implementation is decentralized and carried out by the respective state rural development agencies and district-level agencies, ensuring that local needs are prioritized.

8. How does PMGSY contribute to economic growth? By improving rural connectivity, the scheme facilitates easier access to markets, boosting trade of agricultural goods, and enabling better access to employment, healthcare, and education.

9. How are roads selected for construction under PMGSY? The roads are selected based on a District Rural Roads Plan (DRRP), which is prepared in consultation with local communities and authorities to prioritize unconnected habitations.

10. What is the role of technology in PMGSY? Advanced technologies such as geospatial mapping, satellite imagery, and eco-friendly materials are used to ensure precision in road alignment and long-term sustainability.

11. How is the maintenance of roads ensured under PMGSY? The contractor who builds the road is also responsible for its maintenance for five years. Post this period, the roads are handed over to state authorities for continued maintenance.

12. What has been the impact of PMGSY on rural healthcare? Improved road connectivity has enhanced access to healthcare facilities, allowing rural populations to reach hospitals more easily, leading to better health outcomes and emergency responses.

13. How has PMGSY affected education in rural areas? Road connectivity under PMGSY has significantly improved access to schools and educational institutions, reducing drop-out rates and encouraging higher literacy levels in rural areas.

14. How can one check the status of road construction under PMGSY? The progress of road construction under PMGSY can be tracked through the official PMGSY website or the Meri Sadak mobile app, which provides real-time updates and feedback options.

15. What is the duration of road construction under PMGSY? The time frame for constructing a road under PMGSY varies depending on terrain, weather conditions, and project size, but it typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

16. How are disputes in land acquisition for PMGSY roads resolved? Land acquisition issues are resolved by local authorities with the help of district administration and panchayats. Compensation and negotiations are handled according to state land laws.

17. What are the challenges faced by PMGSY? Key challenges include funding gaps, land acquisition disputes, delays in implementation, and the impact of climate change on the durability of rural roads.

18. How does PMGSY promote environmental sustainability? The scheme promotes the use of eco-friendly materials and encourages techniques like waste plastic road construction and cold-mix technology to reduce environmental impact.

19. What has been the impact of PMGSY on migration patterns? PMGSY has helped reduce rural-to-urban migration by improving local infrastructure, creating more opportunities in villages, and improving overall living conditions in rural areas.

20. What is the future vision of PMGSY? The government aims to expand PMGSY by constructing more roads in remote and difficult terrains, focusing on sustainable practices and upgrading existing roads to ensure longevity and further integration of rural India into the economic mainstream.

 

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