The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), a centrally sponsored initiative, has seen the approval for its continuation by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. This article delves into the specifics of this scheme, its implementation period, objectives, significance, funding pattern, and its beneficiaries.
Overview of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
RGSA is slated for implementation from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2026, coinciding with the 15th Financial Commission period. The primary goal of this policy is to enhance the governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
This scheme was initially approved in 2018 by the Cabinet for enactment from 2018-19 to 2021-22. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is in charge of its execution.
Components and Objectives of RGSA
The central elements of RGSA consist of incentivization of Panchayats and Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayat among other activities. On the other hand, state components are primarily concerned with capacity building and training (CB&T) activities and related institutional mechanisms.
The scheme aims at developing PRIs’ governance skills to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The key principles of SDGs- leaving no one behind, reaching the furthest first, universal coverage, and gender equality will be incorporated into all capacity-building interventions.
Thematic Priorities
Priority is given primarily to subjects of national importance under themes such as poverty-free and enhanced livelihood villages, healthy and child-friendly villages, water-sufficient, clean, and green villages, self-sufficient infrastructure, socially secure villages, villages with good governance, and those with engendered development.
Funding Pattern
The revamped RGSA consists of central and state components, with the central components fully funded by the Government of India. The funding pattern for state components is based on a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and the states, except for northeastern and hilly states and Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir, wherein the share is 90:10. In other UTs, the central share is 100%.
Vision and Significance
The scheme envisions “Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”, meaning ‘Everyone’s cooperation, everyone’s village, everyone’s development.’ This initiative lays emphasis on socio-economic justice as PRIs have representation from Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes, and women.
Additionally, by enhancing panchayats, equity, inclusiveness, social justice, and economic development of the community are promoted.
The increased use of e-governance by PRIs brings about transparency and improved service delivery. The scheme also establishes the institutional structure for PRI capacity-building at national, state, and district levels, providing ample human resources and infrastructure.
Beneficiaries
The approved RGSA scheme plans to assist more than 2.78 lakh Rural Local Bodies. Around 60 lakh elected representatives, functionaries, and other stakeholders of rural local bodies across the country are expected to be direct beneficiaries of this scheme.
This nationwide scheme extends to all States and Union Territories, including institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas where Panchayats do not exist.
