Union Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV). This ambitious scheme aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to 25,000 unconnected rural villages across India. The project will involve the construction and upgrading of 62,500 kilometers of rural roads and bridges.
Key Highlights of PMGSY-IV
- Total Outlay: The scheme will have a total outlay of Rs. 70,125 crore, with the central government contributing Rs. 49,087.50 crore and the state governments contributing Rs. 21,037.50 crore.
- Duration: The PMGSY-IV will be implemented over a five-year period, from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
- Target Villages: The scheme will target villages with a population of more than 500 in plain areas, more than 250 in North-Eastern and hilly states, Union Territories, and special category areas, and more than 100 in left-wing extremism-affected districts.
- Road Construction: The project will involve the construction and upgrading of 62,500 kilometers of all-weather roads and bridges.
- Economic Development: The PMGSY-IV is expected to boost economic development in rural areas by improving connectivity to markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
Benefits of PMGSY-IV
- Improved Connectivity: The scheme will provide vital connectivity to remote rural areas, bridging the gap between villages and urban centers.
- Socio-Economic Development: By improving connectivity, PMGSY-IV will facilitate the development of rural industries, agriculture, and tourism.
- Education and Healthcare: The scheme will enhance access to education and healthcare facilities in rural areas, improving the quality of life for rural residents.
- Employment Generation: The construction of roads and bridges will create employment opportunities in rural areas.
Previous Phases of PMGSY
The PMGSY was first launched in 2000 to connect villages with a population of more than 500 in plain areas and more than 250 in hilly, desert, and special category states. The PMGSY-II and PMGSY-III phases focused on upgrading existing roads and constructing new roads in identified rural habitations.
The PMGSY-IV represents a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to improve rural infrastructure and reduce poverty. By providing all-weather road connectivity to thousands of villages, the scheme will have a lasting impact on the lives of millions of rural Indians.
FAQs:
1. What is the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)?
- The PMGSY is a government scheme aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to rural areas in India.
2. When was PMGSY-IV launched?
- The Union Cabinet approved PMGSY-IV in September 2024.
3. What is the total outlay for PMGSY-IV?
- The total outlay for PMGSY-IV is Rs. 70,125 crore.
4. How many villages will be connected under PMGSY-IV?
- PMGSY-IV will connect 25,000 unconnected rural villages.
5. How much road construction is planned under PMGSY-IV?
- 62,500 kilometers of all-weather roads and bridges will be constructed or upgraded.
6. What are the benefits of PMGSY-IV?
- PMGSY-IV will improve connectivity, socio-economic development, access to education and healthcare, and employment opportunities in rural areas.
7. Who is the Union Minister for Rural Development?
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the Union Minister for Rural Development.
8. What is the duration of PMGSY-IV?
- PMGSY-IV will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
9. How is the funding for PMGSY-IV shared between the central and state governments?
- The central government will contribute Rs. 49,087.50 crore, and the state governments will contribute Rs. 21,037.50 crore.
10. Which villages will be prioritized for connectivity under PMGSY-IV?
- Villages with a population of more than 500 in plain areas, more than 250 in North-Eastern and hilly states, Union Territories, and special category areas, and more than 100 in left-wing extremism-affected districts will be prioritized.
11. How does PMGSY-IV align with the government’s focus on rural development?
PMGSY-IV aligns with the government’s focus on rural development by providing essential infrastructure that can boost economic growth, improve access to services, and reduce poverty in rural areas. By connecting villages to markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, PMGSY-IV can help to bridge the gap between rural and urban areas.
12. What are some of the challenges that may be faced in implementing PMGSY-IV?
Some of the challenges that may be faced in implementing PMGSY-IV include:
- Terrain: Constructing roads in hilly or mountainous regions can be more difficult and expensive.
- Land Acquisition: Acquiring land for road construction can be a challenge, especially in areas with high population density.
- Environmental Concerns: Ensuring that road construction projects are environmentally sustainable can be a priority.
- Corruption: Corruption can be a problem in any government project, and PMGSY-IV is not immune.
- Quality Control: Ensuring that the roads constructed under PMGSY-IV meet high quality standards is important.
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