Overview of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY):
Initiative Launched: In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the SAGY with a 10-year timeframe aiming to develop infrastructure in villages.
Target: Each Member of Parliament (MP) was expected to adopt eight gram panchayats (GPs) for development. The goal was to develop three GPs by March 2019 and the remaining five by 2024.
Current Status:
Limited Adoption: Only about 52% of the targeted GPs have been adopted by MPs.
Incomplete Development: In many adopted villages, the completion rate of development projects is under 75%.
Challenges in Implementation:
Lack of Dedicated Funding: The scheme doesn’t have a specific fund allocation, relying instead on the convergence of existing government schemes and community resources.
Low Engagement from MPs: Response and involvement from MPs have been subdued.
Coordination Issues: Challenges in coordinating with various state agencies due to the absence of a dedicated fund.
State-wise Progress:
Variable Development Rates: States like Assam, Goa, Punjab, Bihar, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra show varying progress levels, many under 75%.
Committee Reviews: In some states, committees formed to review SAGY progress have been inactive, with no meetings in recent years.
Implications:
Impact on Village Development: The slow progress could hamper the comprehensive development of rural villages envisioned under the scheme.
Effect on National Goals: The lack of momentum in SAGY could also affect India’s overall progress in achieving sustainable development goals.
Moving Forward:
Need for Expedited Action: The Ministry of Rural Development urges states and UTs to expedite development work and consider revising plans if necessary.
Revision of Village Development Plans (VDPs): There’s a suggestion to revise VDPs to remove unstarted projects and focus on achievable goals.
Conclusion:
The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, aimed at transforming villages into model units of development, faces significant challenges in terms of funding, MP engagement, and coordination. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure the scheme meets its objectives by the 2024 deadline.
SRIRAM’s
