Grama Jyothi was a program undertaken by the Telangana State Government to build up rural development and ensure public institutions are both accountable and transparent.Building on the Mana Ooru – Mana Pranalika initiative, it empowers Gram Panchayats and enables them to be drivers of development at grassroots levels through participation and decentralization of power.
Officially launched by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, popularly known as KCR, on 17th August at Gangadevipalli village in Warangal district with a vision for holistic development of rural Telangana.
Key Objectives of Grama Jyothi
- Decentralized Development:
- Empower villages to plan and execute their own development activities.
- Establish committees to address specific sectors like health, education, agriculture, and sanitation.
- Accountability and Transparency:
- Create a responsive governance structure at the Gram Panchayat level.
- Ensure public institutions are held accountable to local needs.
- Financial and Functional Convergence:
- Synergize activities across government departments to optimize resources.
- Encourage preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP) for structured development.
- Human Development Index (HDI) Focus:
- Address core issues like nutrition, sanitation, healthcare, drinking water, and streetlights.
- Increase green cover and employment opportunities.
Benefits of Grama Jyothi
- Community Participation:
- Local communities take an active role in decision-making through regular Grama Sabhas.
- Utilize Social Capital to identify and address village-specific issues.
- Sector-Specific Development:
- Establish seven committees focused on sectors such as education, agriculture, sanitation, social security, and natural resource preservation.
- Promote comprehensive development through infrastructure projects like roads, drains, and drinking water facilities.
- Financial Investment:
- ₹25,000 crore allocated for implementation over a four-year period.
- Sufficient funding for projects monitored by the Panchayati Raj Ministry.
- Skill Development and Empowerment:
- Prioritize skill development and capacity building for marginalized groups, including women and farmers.
Eligibility Criteria
The Grama Jyothi Scheme is intended for rural areas in Telangana. The following are the main eligibility categories:
- Rural Households:
- Focus on underserved or unserved households, particularly those below the poverty line.
- Village Panchayats:
- Targets panchayats with a significant percentage of households lacking basic amenities.
- Marginalized Groups:
- Priority for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), women, girl children, and economically disadvantaged groups.
- Small and Marginal Farmers:
- Support for farmers by providing essential amenities such as electricity and water.
- Special Categories:
- Includes landless laborers, migrant workers, and people with disabilities.
Exclusions:
- Urban areas of Telangana are not covered under this program.
- Implementation is dependent on fund availability and prioritization of projects in backward areas.
Application Process
Offline Registration:
- Contact Local Grama Jyothi Office:
- Visit the local office to obtain information about the scheme and the application form.
- Fill the Application Form:
- Provide details like name, address, and other relevant information.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Include proof of identity, residence, income, and other applicable documents.
- Verification:
- Applications are verified, and eligibility is assessed.
- Implementation:
- Approved applications will lead to the installation of required amenities like electricity and sanitation facilities.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport.
- Residency Proof: Ration card, utility bill, or voter ID.
- Income Proof: Payslip or bank statement for income-based initiatives.
- Land Ownership Proof: Required for housing or land development projects.
- Educational Certificates: For skill development programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Grama Jyothi Scheme?
- It is a rural development initiative aimed at empowering Gram Panchayats in Telangana through decentralized planning and execution.
- Who is eligible for Grama Jyothi?
- Rural households, marginalized communities, small farmers, and women-headed households in Telangana are eligible.
- How can I apply for the scheme?
- Contact the local Grama Jyothi office to submit the application form and required documents.
- What kind of projects are implemented under the scheme?
- Projects focus on roads, sanitation, healthcare, education, green cover, and employment generation.
- How is the scheme funded?
- It is funded by the Government of Telangana, with an allocation of ₹25,000 crore over four years.
- What is the role of local communities in Grama Jyothi?
- Local communities participate in planning and execution through regular Grama Sabhas.