Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)

 Context

The Union Cabinet recently approved continuation of the revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for 2022 to 2026.


About Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) 

  • The Union Cabinet approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of RGSA in 2018. 
  • Committee: RSGA was started on the recommendations of the committee chaired by the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog. 
  • Duration: For implementation from Financial Year 2018-19 to 2021-22. 
  • Evaluation: RGSA was evaluated by a third party in 2021-22. 
    • The evaluation study praised the RGSA scheme's actions and recommended that it be continued to enhance Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). 
Objective
  • Deliver on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): To prepare elected representatives of Panchayati Raj for leadership roles in order to establish an effective third tier of government that can deliver on SDG localization. 
Features of the schemes
  • Panchayats as Focal point: Panchayats serve as the focal point for all developmental initiatives and the execution of SDG-related schemes by various Ministries/Departments and State Governments. 
  • Implementing Agency: The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj. 
    • The scheme's activities will be implemented and monitored in a way that is broadly consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
  • Financial implications: Entire financial outlay is Rs. 5911 crore. 
    • Central Share: Rs. 3700 crore 
    • State Share: Rs. 2211 crore 
  • No. of beneficiaries: The initiative will directly benefit almost 60 lakh elected representatives, functionaries, and other stakeholders of rural local bodies, including traditional bodies, across the country. 
  • States/districts covered: 
    • All States and Union Territories (UTs). 
    • Institutions of rural local government in non-Part IX areas of the Constitution of India, where Panchayats do not exist. 
Implementation strategy and targets 
  • Coordination: The central government and state governments will work together to complete the activities that have been approved for their roles. 
  • Annual Action Plans: The State Government will develop Annual Action Plans to request support from the central government based on their priorities and needs. 
  • The plan will operate on a demand-driven basis. 
Significance of the scheme: 
  • Governance capacities: It will assist over 2.78 lakh Rural Local Bodies, including Traditional Bodies, across the country in developing governance capacities to deliver on SDGs through inclusive local governance and optimum resource utilization. 
  • National-level issues: Priority will be given to national-level issues, which will be organized into themes, such as: 
    • Poverty free and enhanced livelihood in villages 
    • Healthy Village 
    • Child Friendly Village 
    • Water Sufficient Village 
    • Clean and Green Village 
    • Self-Sufficient Infrastructure in Village 
    • Socially Secured Village o Village with Good Governance 
    • Engendered Development in Village 
  • Fairness and inclusion: Strengthening Panchayats will promote fairness and inclusion, as well as social justice and economic development to the community such as Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes, and women. 
  • Service delivery: Increased e-governance adoption by PRIs will aid in improving service delivery and transparency. 
  • Panchayats would be gradually enhanced through incentivization based on nationally relevant criteria in order to recognize their responsibilities in achieving the SDGs and instil a spirit of healthy competition. 
  • Social inclusion of citizens: Gram Sabhas would be strengthened to act as effective institutions that promote social inclusion of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
Q. Consider the following statements in the context of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) recently seen in the news. 
1. It is a Central Sector Scheme started in 2018. 
2. The scheme's activities will be implemented and monitored in a way that is broadly consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
3. It covers Institutions of rural local government in areas not included in Part IX of the Constitution of India, where Panchayats do not exist. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 3 only 
Ans. (d) 

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