Article:
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) have received a nod from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), which has approved the continuation of these projects till September 2022 and March 2023, respectively. The primary aim is to complete the remaining road and bridge work under both programs.
Understanding the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
PMGSY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that was unveiled in 2000 with the purpose of connecting eligible unconnected habitations of 500+ population in plain areas and 250+ in the North-East and Himalayan states according to the 2001 census. The scheme includes the upgrade of existing rural roads in districts where all eligible habitations were already connected.
Various Stages of PMGSY
During May 2013, the cabinet approved PMGSY-II, which proposed the consolidation of an existing 50,000 Km of rural road networks. Subsequently, PMGSY-III was launched in 2019 with the aim of consolidating 1,25,000 Km through routes and major rural links. These links connect habitations with Gramin Agricultural Markets, Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. The implementation period of this phase is until March 2025.
Road Connectivity Project for LWEA
In 2016, the government launched the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas. This project focuses on the construction or upgrading of 5,412 Km of roads and 126 bridges of strategic importance across 44 districts in 9 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Initially, the implementation period was set from 2016-17 to 2019-20. The Ministry of Home Affairs identified the scheme’s works in consultation with states and security forces.
Significance of these Projects
Multiple independent impact evaluation studies on PMGSY acknowledge the positive impact of the scheme on various sectors such as agriculture, health, education, urbanization, and employment generation. Rural connectivity unlocks the economic potential of connected habitations, while the improvement in existing rural roads increases the efficiency of the road network as a provider of transportation services. Furthermore, the construction or upgrade of roads generates both direct and indirect employment for the local population.
Challenges faced by the Projects
However, several challenges threaten the implementation and success of these projects. Some common problems include lack of dedicated funds, limited involvement of the Panchayati Raj Institutions, inadequate execution and contracting capacity, and scarcity of construction materials. A limited working season, difficult terrain especially in hill states, and security concerns in LWE areas also pose significant problems.
The Way Forward
Rural road connectivity plays a crucial role in rural development as it enhances access to economic and social services. Increased connectivity can lead to higher agricultural incomes and more productive employment opportunities. Therefore, the government might consider collaborating with international financial institutions to construct basic rural infrastructure.
Source: PIB
