Panchayat – The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is a flagship scheme for To invigorate and Develop the Panchayati Raj follows in the Rural India. It focuses on strengthening capacities of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to promote effective governance in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This initiative strengthens the infrastructure, e-governance measures, and revenue generation frameworks of PRIs, thereby enabling decentralized governance. The RGSA has been approved as a Core Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) in which the financing will be shared between the Central and State Governments.
Objectives
- Strengthen Governance:
- Build the capacity of PRIs to achieve SDGs and address local developmental needs.
- Enhance Local Governance:
- Promote inclusive governance with a focus on utilizing available resources and convergence with other schemes.
- Boost Revenue Generation:
- Improve Panchayats’ ability to raise their own sources of revenue.
- Empower Gram Sabhas:
- Strengthen Gram Sabhas for enhanced participation, transparency, and accountability.
- Promote Devolution:
- Devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats as per the Constitution and the PESA Act 1996.
- Capacity Building:
- Establish networks of excellence for training PRIs and provide necessary infrastructure and human resources.
- Encourage Technology Usage:
- Leverage e-governance for efficiency and transparency in Panchayats.
- Recognition and Incentives:
- Reward PRIs for exceptional performance.
Key Benefits
- Capacity Building & Training (CB&T):
- Training programs for PRI members to enhance governance skills.
- Improved Infrastructure:
- Development of Gram Panchayat Bhawans with modern facilities.
- E-Governance Enablement:
- Implementation of Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) applications, fund transfers through Public Finance Management System (PFMS), and geotagging of assets.
- Technical Support:
- Provision of adequate manpower and technical resources to PRIs.
- Innovation Support:
- Funding for innovative projects that address local issues.
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Regular reporting through physical and financial progress reports.
Eligibility
- Who Can Apply:
- Panchayati Raj Institutions in all States/UTs, including rural local government institutions in areas where Panchayats do not exist.
- Essential Requirements:
- Regular elections to Panchayats or local rural bodies in non-Part IX areas.
- Minimum one-third reservation for women in Panchayats.
- Constitution of State Finance Commission (SFC) every five years and submission of Action Taken Report (ATR).
- Functional District Planning Committees (DPCs) in all districts.
- Preparation and submission of Annual Capacity Building Plans by states.
- Co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs):
- Wherever possible, CSCs must be co-located with Gram Panchayat buildings for better service delivery.
Funding Pattern
- 60:40 Cost Sharing between the Centre and States.
- For North Eastern and Hilly States, the ratio is 90:10.
Application Process
Online Registration
- Visit the RGSA Portal:
- Register:
- Click on the “Register” button and fill in the required details.
- Submit Action Plan:
- Upload the Annual Action Plan along with necessary documents.
Documents Required
- Annual Action Plan (AAP):
- Detailed proposals for capacity building and development projects.
- Utilization Certificate:
- Documents demonstrating the proper use of previous funds as per Government Financial Rules (GFR).
- Audit Report:
- Independent audit report confirming financial integrity.
- Progress Reports:
- Physical and financial progress reports of ongoing projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is RGSA?
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at strengthening the Panchayati Raj system for effective rural governance. - Who can apply for RGSA funds?
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) from all States/UTs and rural governance bodies in non-Part IX areas. - What are the funding ratios under RGSA?
- 60:40 for most states.
- 90:10 for North Eastern and Hilly States.
- What are the themes covered under RGSA?
Governance, capacity building, e-governance, infrastructure development, and SDG alignment. - How can PRIs register for the scheme?
Through the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Portal: gramswaraj.nirdpr.in. - What is the role of CSCs in RGSA?
Co-located Common Service Centres facilitate better service delivery and improve connectivity at the Panchayat level.
Sources and References
- RGSA Guidelines
- Framework for Implementation
The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering rural governance, ensuring sustainable development, and improving accountability and transparency in the Panchayati Raj system.