Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) was launched on 24th April 2018, coinciding with National Panchayat Day, by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. This scheme, under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, aims to strengthen and develop the Panchayati Raj System in rural areas across India. It plays a significant role in building governance capacity at the grassroots level, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Features of RGSA
- Type of Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)
- Duration: 2018-19 to 2021-22
- Funding Ratio:
- General States: 60:40 (Centre: State)
- Northeastern and Hilly States: 90:10 (Centre: State)
Objectives of RGSA
- Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):
- Enhance their governance capabilities to deliver on SDGs.
- Promote inclusive and participatory governance.
- Capacity Building:
- Develop Panchayats’ ability to utilize resources effectively.
- Encourage convergence with other schemes addressing critical national issues.
- Revenue Generation:
- Enable Panchayats to raise their own sources of revenue.
- Empowering Gram Sabhas:
- Promote transparency, accountability, and participation at the grassroots level.
- E-Governance:
- Implement technology-driven solutions for improved governance and service delivery.
- Devolution of Powers:
- Ensure powers and responsibilities are devolved as per the Constitution and PESA Act 1996.
Benefits of RGSA
- Capacity Building & Training: Empower PRIs through workshops and training programs.
- Infrastructure Development: Support Gram Panchayat infrastructure improvements.
- E-Governance: Introduce IT solutions like Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) and digital platforms for better administration.
- Innovation Support: Provide institutional backing for innovative practices in rural governance.
- Manpower Support: Address staffing gaps in Gram Panchayats by providing technical and administrative support.
- Financial Transparency: Enable electronic fund transfers, geotagging of assets, and public financial management systems (PFMS).
Eligibility for RGSA
- Target Group:
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across all States and Union Territories.
- Includes rural local government bodies in non-Part IX areas (where Panchayats do not exist).
- Essential Conditions for States/UTs:
- Regular elections to Panchayats or rural local bodies.
- Minimum one-third reservation for women in Panchayats.
- Constitution of State Finance Commissions (SFC) every five years.
- Formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) and issuance of functional guidelines.
- Submission of detailed annual State Capacity Building Plans for PRIs.
Application Process
- Online Registration:
- Visit the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Portal: gramswaraj.nirdpr.in
- Click on “Register” and fill in the required details.
- Documents Required:
- Annual Action Plan.
- Utilization Certificate and other requisite documents as per Government of India rules.
- Audit Report from an independent agency.
- Physical and financial progress reports.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the themes covered under RGSA?
Themes align with enhancing governance, SDG delivery, and capacity building for PRIs. - Which states/UTs are covered under RGSA?
All States and Union Territories with Panchayati Raj Institutions are eligible. - What are the central components?
Capacity building, infrastructure development, and technology-driven governance initiatives. - How can a user register under RGSA?
Users can register through the official RGSA portal by providing the required information and documents.