Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II – Panchayati raj institutions

In news The restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is being implemented with effect from 2018-19 across all States/UTs. 

About the Abhiyan

• Launched in 2018.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme 
• Primary aim: Strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions for achieving Sustainable Development Goals. 
• Main thrust: Convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions in 117 Aspirational districts.
• It is an effort in the direction of achieving “Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”.
• The RGSA helps more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.
• Priority will be given to subjects of national importance that affect the excluded groups the most, e.g. poverty, primary health services, nutrition, immunization, etc.
• This scheme extends to all States and UTs of the country and will also include institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas, where Panchayats do not exist.
• It will establish the institutional structure for capacity building of PRIs at the national, state and district level with adequate human resources and infrastructure.
• Panchayats will progressively be strengthened through incentivisation on the basis of nationally important criteria which will encourage competitive spirit among them.

• The funds are not released district-wise/Panchayat-wise under the scheme.  
• Under the scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan there is no provision for forming new Panchayats. Formation or reorganization of Panchayats is done by the respective States/ Union Territories as per their requirement. 

News Source: PIB