Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

CA – POLITY

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved continuation of the revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for implementation during the period from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2026 .
  • The scheme is now co-terminus with the 15th Finance Commission period.
  • The scheme is aimed to develop governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

 

About the campaign

  • The scheme was first approved by the Cabinet in 2018 for implementation from 2018-19 to 2021-22.
  • Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the implementing agency.
  • The main Central Components were Incentivisation of Panchayats and Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayat including other activities at Central level.
  • 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.

Objectives

  • It envisaged developing governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • 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.
  • Poverty free and enhanced livelihood in villages and Healthy Village
  • Child Friendly Village and Water Sufficient Village
  • Clean and Green Village and Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Village
  • Socially Secured Village and Village with Good Governance
  • Engendered Development in Village
  • The approved scheme of RGSA will help more than 2.78 lakh Rural Local Bodies.
  • 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.
  • This scheme extends 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.

Significance

  • Socio-Economic Justice: 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.
  • Improved Public Service Delivery: Increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency.
  • Developing PRI: It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.