Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Improving Rural Connectivity

Launched on December 25, 2000, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a flagship scheme of the Government of India aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations. The primary objective is to ensure that rural areas, especially those with populations not connected by road, have access to improved infrastructure, thereby fostering overall rural development, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and creating better employment opportunities.

Key Features

Eligibility of Habitations:
- In plain areas, habitations with a population of at least 500 (as per Census 2001) are eligible.
- In special category states (such as the North Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and designated Desert Areas), the eligibility criterion is a population of 250 or above.
- A habitation is defined as a population cluster with a stable boundary over time; this may include local terms like Majras, Desam, Hamlets, Tolas, and Dhanis.
Funding Structure:
- Until 2015-16, PMGSY was centrally funded. Since then, funding is shared between the Centre and the States.
- In North Eastern and Himalayan States, 90% of the project cost is borne by the Union Government, with the remaining 10% provided by the State.
- In other states, the Union funds approximately 60% while the State contributes 40%.
Quality and Implementation:
- Roads are constructed as per standards prescribed by the Indian Road Congress and the Rural Roads Manual.
- The scheme emphasizes decentralized planning, a 3-tier quality management system, and an unbroken flow of funds to ensure efficient execution.

Benefits

Connectivity:
Provides all-weather road access to unconnected habitations, ensuring improved mobility for residents and transportation of goods.
Economic Development:
Improved road infrastructure facilitates better market access, stimulates local economies, and creates employment opportunities in rural areas.
Enhanced Public Services:
Improved connectivity aids in the delivery of various government services and supports overall rural development.

Application Process

Mode: Offline

Identification and Selection:
The list of road projects to be implemented under PMGSY is finalized annually by the District Panchayat. This process is participatory and involves local representatives to ensure that new connectivity is prioritized, especially for areas identified as part of the Core Network.
Submission of Documents for Fund Release:
For each phase, the following documents must be submitted:
1. Utilisation Certificate for earlier fund releases (year-wise).
2. A certificate from the Bank Manager confirming the balance and interest credited.
3. A certificate verifying the physical completion of road works.
4. For releases after October, an Audited Statement of Accounts and a Balance Sheet (certified by a Chartered Accountant) for the previous financial year.
5. Outputs from relevant OMMAS modules, certified by SRRDA and verified by NRIDA.
6. A certificate from the CEO of SRRDA confirming the expenditure on maintenance funds as per the contract terms.

Eligibility

Habitation Eligibility:
Only those areas classified as habitations (population clusters as defined above) are eligible for PMGSY. Hamlets or revenue villages themselves are not considered unless they form part of a larger habitation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Connectivity:
- Q: Does the programme provide connectivity to only revenue villages?
  A: No, the scheme targets habitations—stable population clusters—rather than individual revenue villages.
Selection Process:
- Q: Who decides which habitations are connected?
  A: The District Panchayat, with input from local Panchayati Raj bodies and elected representatives, finalizes the list of eligible habitations.
Implementation:
- Q: Can an individual apply for road connectivity?
  A: No, the scheme is implemented by the government through district-level planning and is not open for individual applications.
Quality and Construction:
- Q: Does all-weather connectivity mean only black-topped roads?
  A: It refers to roads constructed to be usable in all weather conditions, as per the standards prescribed in the Rural Roads Manual.
- Q: How are drainage and culverts handled?
  A: Adequate provisions for culverts, cross-drainage works, and drainage systems are made as per the design standards.
Funding and Maintenance:
- Q: Is compensation for land acquisition included?
  A: No, land acquisition compensation is not covered under PMGSY.
- Q: How is quality monitored?
  A: Quality is monitored through a 3-tier system involving local, district, and national oversight, with periodic inspections and the use of standardized guidelines.
Public Participation:
- Q: What role do public representatives play?
  A: Elected representatives and Panchayati Raj bodies are involved in the selection and monitoring process.
Availability of Information:
- Q: Where can information about the programme be found?
  A: Detailed guidelines and notifications are available on the official Ministry of Rural Development website.
Maintenance:
- Q: How are roads maintained post-construction?
  A: Maintenance is managed as per the operational guidelines and regular monitoring by local authorities.
Population Criteria:
- Q: What is the minimum population for a habitation to be eligible?
  A: In plain areas, a population of over 500 persons; in hilly areas and special category states, a population of 250 or more.