NEWS: Union Cabinet approved PM-VGSY to strengthen Panchayats and improve village-level governance.
KEY FACTS
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Period: FY 2026–27 to 2030–31.
- Coverage: 2.55 lakh+ Panchayats and traditional local bodies.
- Beneficiaries: Around 32 lakh elected representatives and Panchayat workers.
- Aim: Make Panchayats strong, self-reliant and accountable.
SIX PILLARS
- Local Governance: Gram Panchayats as centres of village development.
- Integrated Planning: Prepare village plans based on local needs.
- Digital Governance: Use digital platforms to improve services and monitoring.
- People’s Participation: Involve citizens through Gram Sabhas and digital tools.
- Capacity Building: Train elected representatives and Panchayat staff.
- Financial Accountability: Better use of funds, online audits and local revenue collection.
DIGITAL PLATFORMS
- eGramSwaraj: Supports planning, budgeting, accounting and monitoring.
- PANCHAM: AI-enabled chatbot for two-way communication in 17 Indian languages.
- AuditOnline: Supports online audits of Panchayat accounts.
KEY TARGETS
- Prepare 2.55 lakh+ Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) annually.
- Train around 32 lakh representatives and functionaries every year.
- Reach at least 1 crore citizens per awareness campaign.
- Prepare 2.55 lakh+ online audit plans annually.
SIGNIFICANCE
- Strengthens grassroots democracy + improves village planning.
- Helps Panchayats use government funds effectively.
- Promotes transparency, digital governance and people's participation.