The Union Minister of Rural Development recently shone a spotlight on the ongoing implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the Rajya Sabha, an initiative aimed at bolstering rural connectivity in India.
Introduction to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
The program was launched on December 25th, 2000 with the primary objective of facilitating comprehensive connectivity by providing all-weather roads to unconnected rural areas. The PMGSY is focused on serving unconnected habitations of a designated population size which is set at 500+ individuals for plain areas and 250+ in North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, Deserts, and Tribal Areas as per the 2001 census. The targeted areas are those at a distance of at least 500 metres or more from an all-weather road or a connected habitation.
About the Core Network
The core network is central to the PMGSY, constituting a critical network of routes that ensures basic access to vital social and economic services for all eligible habitations in the chosen areas via at least one all-weather road connectivity.
Funding Pattern and Allocation
Fund allocation to states has been carried out progressively over the years, in line with the value of projects sanctioned to those states. A majority of the project costs are borne by the Union Government, with 90% being assigned to projects in the North-Eastern and Himalayan states and 60% to other states.
Construction Standards for Rural Roads
All rural roads constructed under the PMGSY comply with the provisions established by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), the country’s premier body of highway engineers, which was set up in 1934.
The Three Phases of PMGSY
There have so far been three phases of the PMGSY. The first phase was launched in December 2000, aiming to provide road connectivity to 1,35,436 habitations and upgrade around 3.68 lakh km of existing rural roads.
The second phase of the scheme, PMGSY-II, launched in 2013, aimed at upgrading 50,000 km of existing rural road networks to improve efficiency. PMGSY-III, approved by the Cabinet in July 2019, prioritizes facilities like Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals.
Challenges Disrupting Progress
Despite the initiative’s ambition, the implementation of PMGSY faces several challenges, including a lack of dedicated funds, insufficient engagement with Panchayati Raj Institutions, inadequate enforcement and contracting capacity, working season limitations, scarcity of construction materials, and security concerns, particularly in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas.
Looking Ahead
Rural Road Connectivity is a pivotal component of Rural Development in India as it promotes access to economic and social services. Furthermore, it contributes to increased agricultural incomes and productive employment opportunities. To continue this essential work, the government might consider collaborating with international financial institutions to build basic rural infrastructure.
