Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY)

• Nature: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• Implementation Period: 2026–27 to 2030–31.
• Total Outlay: ₹7,395.55 crore.
  • Central Share: ₹4,869.48 crore.
  • State Share: ₹2,526.07 crore.
• Coverage: All States and Union Territories.
• Institutional Coverage: Over 2.55 lakh Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies.
• Beneficiaries: Around 32 lakh elected representatives and Panchayat functionaries.
• Objective: Strengthen grassroots governance, improve local planning and promote digital and accountable Panchayats.

Six Pillars of the Scheme

1. Gram Panchayats as Governance Hubs: Strengthen Panchayats as centres of local development and coordination.

2. Holistic Planning: Prepare integrated Gram Panchayat Development Plans through coordination among government departments.

3. Digital Governance: Consolidate information on schemes, beneficiaries, assets and resources on digital platforms.

4. Community Participation: Strengthen Gram Sabha participation and connect national priorities with local needs.

5. Capacity Building: Train elected representatives and Panchayat officials in governance and digital tools.

6. Financial Accountability: Promote effective use of Finance Commission grants, Own Source Revenue, online accounting and auditing.

Important Digital Platforms

• eGramSwaraj: Digital platform for Panchayat planning, budgeting, accounting and monitoring.
• PANCHAM: Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot. Supports AI-enabled multilingual communication.
• AuditOnline: Facilitates online audits of Panchayati Raj accounts.
• PFMS: Supports online payments and financial management.
• GeM: Supports government procurement.
• BHASHINI: Provides multilingual digital services.

Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana:

1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
2. It will be implemented from 2026–27 to 2030–31.
3. It covers only Panchayats established under Part IX of the Constitution.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The scheme also covers traditional rural local government institutions in non-Part IX areas where Panchayats do not exist.

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