Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM-VGSY)

• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
• Approved by: Union Cabinet.
• Financial Outlay: ₹7,395.55 crore.
• Duration: 2026–27 to 2030–31.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• Objective: Strengthen grassroots governance, improve Panchayat functioning and promote participatory rural development.

Important Features

• Coverage: All States and Union Territories.
• Non-Part IX Areas: Also covers traditional rural local government institutions in areas where Panchayats do not exist.
• Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP): Supports preparation of development plans through the eGramSwaraj portal.
• Capacity Building: Training for elected representatives, Panchayat functionaries and other stakeholders.
• Digital Governance: Promotes digital planning, accounting and transparency.
• Audit Online: Supports online audit planning and timely completion of Panchayat audits.
• PANCHAM: Two-way citizen outreach platform available in 17 Indian languages.
• Gram Sabha: Encourages citizen participation in local planning and decision-making.

Important Constitutional Provisions

• Article 40: Directs the State to organise village Panchayats and endow them with powers to function as units of self-government.
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Part IX: Deals with Panchayats (Articles 243–243O).
• 11th Schedule: Contains 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats.
• Article 243G: Deals with the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats.

Prelims MCQs

Q1. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, consider the following statements:

1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
2. It promotes digital governance and capacity building of Panchayats.
3. It covers only areas governed by Part IX of the Constitution.
4. It supports online audits through the Audit Online platform.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) All four

Answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect because the scheme also covers traditional rural local government institutions in non-Part IX areas where Panchayats do not exist.

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