Center plans Rs 1.9-lakh crore 4th phase of rural road scheme
- The Centre is set to launch the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to provide all-weather road connectivity to 50,000 habitations. This phase will focus on areas with populations above 250 in plain regions and above 100 in special category states.
Highlights:
- As part of the Ministry of Rural Development's (MoRD) 100-day agenda, the estimated cost for PMGSY-IV is Rs 1.9 lakh crore. Of this, Rs 1.3 lakh crore will come from central funds, while Rs 60,000 crore will be provided by the states.
- The initiative is expected to significantly boost capital expenditure in the rural economy, improving access to villages and habitations within 50 km of national highways, as well as rural growth centers in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
- The Ministry has begun the process to secure Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) approval. A draft EFC note was circulated on May 28 for interministerial feedback, and some ministries have already shared their comments. The proposal will soon be sent to the Union Cabinet for approval, with the aim of securing this within the first 100 days of the NDA government.
- PMGSY was initially launched in 2000, by the NDA government.
- The second phase followed in 2013, and a third phase focusing on Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) was introduced in 2016. The third phase began in 2019.
- Additionally, PMGSY-IV and the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) are expected to drive investment and job creation in rural areas. The NDA government has already approved the construction of 2 crore additional houses under PMAY-G in its first Cabinet meeting.
Prelims Takeaway:
- PMGSY
- Land Acquisition