NEWS: Union Cabinet approved PM-VGSY with an outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore to strengthen Gram Panchayat governance and planning capabilities.

KEY FEATURES

• Duration: 2026–27 to 2030–31 (5 years).
• Total Outlay: ₹7,395.55 crore.
• Coverage: Around 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats + traditional local bodies.
• Beneficiaries: Around 32 lakh elected representatives + Panchayat functionaries.
• Nature: Capacity building + institutional strengthening, not direct cash assistance.

OBJECTIVES

• Upgraded version of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
• Promote holistic rural development.
• Strengthen Panchayat-level planning + governance.
• Improve coordination among government schemes.

KEY INITIATIVES

• Digital Handholding: Practical digital support for Panchayats.
• Evidence-Based Planning: Decisions based on local needs, data + resources.
• GPDPs: Preparation of 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans through the eGramSwaraj portal.
• Common Digital Platform: Integration of scheme, beneficiary, community asset + resource information.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Better resource allocation + reduced duplication.
• Improved transparency + accountability.
• Strengthens grassroots democracy and decentralised governance.