Union Cabinet Approves PMGSY-IV: ₹70,125 Crore for 62,500 km of Rural Roads to Connect 25,000 Villages

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 10)

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) to construct 62,500 km of all-weather roads, improving connectivity for 25,000 rural villages across India.

 Analysis of News:     

What is PMGSY?

• Launched on:25th December, 2000.
• Objective:To provide connectivity, by way of an all-weather road to unconnected habitations.
• Eligibility:Unconnected habitations of designated population size (500+ in plain areas and 250+ in North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, Deserts and Tribal Areas as per 2001 census) in the core network for uplifting the socio-economic condition of the rural population.
• An Unconnected Habitationis one with a population of designated size located at a distance of at least 500 metres or more (1.5 km of path distance in case of Hills) from an All-weather road or a connected Habitation.
• Core Network:It is that minimal Network of roads (routes) that is essential to provide Basic access to essential social and economic services to all eligible habitations in the selected areas through at least single all-weather road connectivity.

Construction of Rural Roads: The Rural Roads constructed under the PMGSY will be in accordance with the provision of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC).

• IRC is the Apex Body of Highway Engineersin the country.
• The IRC was set up in

PMGSY – Phase I

• PMGSY – Phase I was launched in December, 2000 as a 100 % centrally sponsored scheme.
• Under the scheme, 1,35,436 habitations were targeted for providing road connectivity and 3.68 lakh km. for upgradation of existing rural roads in order to ensure full farm to market connectivity.

PMGSY – Phase II

• The Government of India subsequently launched PMGSY-II in 2013for upgradation of 50,000 Kms of existing rural road network to improve its overall efficiency.
• While the ongoing PMGSY – I continued, under PMGSY phase II, the roads already built for village connectivity was to be upgradedto enhance rural infrastructure.
• The cost was shared between the centre and the states/UTs.

PMGSY – Phase III

• Phase III was approved by the Cabinet during July
• It gives priorities to facilities like:
• Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs)
• GrAMs are retail agricultural markets in close proximity to the farm gate, that promote and service a more efficient transaction of the farmers’ produce.
• Higher Secondary Schools and
• Under the PMGSY-III Scheme, it is proposed to consolidate 1,25,000 Kmroad length in the States. The duration of the scheme is 2019-20 to 2024-25.

Introduction to PMGSY-IV

• The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), aimed at constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads to provide connectivity to 25,000 rural villages across India. This phase covers the financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29.

Financial Allocation

• The total outlay for PMGSY-IV is ₹70,125 crore, with the central government contributing ₹49,087.50 crore and the states contributing ₹21,037.50 crore.
• This highlights the significant financial commitment to improving rural infrastructure.

Coverage and Objectives

• PMGSY-IV aims to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations, focusing on:
• Plains (population size 500+)
• Northeast and Hill States/UTs (population 250+)
• Special category areas (Tribal areas, Aspirational Districts/Blocks, Desert areas, and LWE-affected districts with populations of 100+).
• In addition, bridges will be constructed along the road alignments where necessary.

Socio-economic Impact

• The new roads will act as catalysts for socio-economic development in remote rural areas by improving access to education, healthcare, markets, and growth centers.
• This will enhance the overall quality of life for rural residents, promoting economic transformation in these regions.

Challenges

Lack of dedicated funds. Limited involvement of the Panchayati Raj Institutions. Inadequate execution and contracting capacity. Less working season and difficult terrain particularly in Hill States. Scarcity of the construction materials. Security concerns particularly in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas.

Practice Question:  The Union Cabinet has approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) with an outlay of ₹70,125 crore for rural road construction. Discuss the potential impact of this initiative on rural development and connectivity, and suggest ways to maximize its benefits for remote areas. (250 words/15 m)