Cabinet approves continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan(RGSA)

What is the News?

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for implementation during the period from 2022 to 2026.

What is Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Launched in: The scheme was first approved in 2018 for implementation from 2018-19 to 2021-22.

Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme 

Aim: To improve the governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj Institutions.

Funding: It will comprise Central and State components. The Central Components will be fully funded by the Government of India. The funding pattern for State Components will be in the ratio of 60:40 for Center and States respectively, 90:10 for NE, Hilly States and Union Territory (UT) of J&K and 100% for UTs.

Coverage: The scheme will extend to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.

Implementation of the Scheme

The scheme will be implemented in a demand-driven mode. The State Government will formulate their Annual Action Plans for seeking assistance from the Central Government as per their priorities and requirements. 

The implementation will broadly be aligned with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Further, no permanent posts would be created under the scheme, but need-based contractual human resources may be provisioned for overseeing the implementation of the scheme and providing technical support to States/UTs.

The scheme will also converge capacity building initiatives of other Ministries/ Departments for the attainment of SDGs. 

Significance of the Scheme

Firstly, the scheme will help more than 2.78 lakh Rural Local Bodies including Traditional Bodies across the country to develop governance capabilities. This will help them to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance with a focus on optimum utilization of available resources. 

Secondly, as Panchayats have representation of Schedule Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women, and are institutions closest to the grassroots, strengthening Panchayats. Hence, the scheme will promote equity and inclusiveness along with Social Justice and economic development of the community. 

Thirdly, increased use of e-governance by PRIs will help achieve improved service delivery and transparency.

Source: This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves continuation of revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan(RGSA)” published in PIB on 13th April 2022.