Why in the News?
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) asked states to add QR codes to Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) rural road boards to boost public monitoring and streamline upkeep via the eMARG platform.
About PM Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):
- Launch: It was launched on December 25, 2000, by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a Central Sector Scheme to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
- Objective: The scheme helps bridge the rural-urban divide and improves access to markets, healthcare, education, and public services.
- Implementation: It is now a centrally sponsored scheme led by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and supported by state governments.
- Monitoring: Progress is tracked using e-MARG, a digital platform for monitoring road construction and maintenance.
- Implementation Phases:
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- Phase I (2000): Focus on connecting unconnected habitations.
- Phase II (2013): Upgrading roads built in Phase I to enhance rural infrastructure.
- Phase III (2019–2025): Consolidation of 1.25 lakh km of rural roads connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets, Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. Cost: ₹80,250 crore (2019-2025). Funding: 60:40 (Centre), 90:10 for North-East and Himalayan States.
- Phase IV (2024–2029): Aims at constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads to provide connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations with a focus on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, tribal areas, and remote regions.
Key Features of PMGSY:
- Rural Connectivity Focus: Targets habitations based on population thresholds (e.g., 500+ in plains, 250+ in hill/NE areas).
- Funding Pattern: Initially 100% central funding; since 2015–16, it follows a 60:40 split (90:10 for NE and Himalayan states).
- Maintenance Period: Contractors are responsible for road upkeep for 5 years post-construction.
- Quality Assurance: Involves routine inspections and geo-tagged photographs to evaluate maintenance performance.
- Economic Impact: Improves rural livelihoods, reduces migration, and enhances access to markets and services.
| [UPSC 2001] Consider the following schemes launched by the Union Government: I. Antyodaya Anna II. Gram Sadak Yojana III. Sarvapriya IV. Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana. Which of these were announced in the year 2000?
Options: (a) I and II* (b) II and IV (c) III and IV (d) I, II and III |
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