Assessment of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Abstract

In India, Rural Road Connectivity, has been appreciated as a key component of Rural Development, which promotes access to economic and social services and generates increased agricultural incomes as well as strengthens rural livelihoods. In this context, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was launched in December, 2000 as a special intervention of the Government of India with the broad objective of ensuring sustainable poverty reduction. The scheme aims to provide good quality all-weather single connectivity to every eligible habitation. Rural roads are a state subject under the Constitution and as such are the basic responsibility of the states. However under the PMGSY, the construction of good quality and well-engineered roads are fully funded by the Government of India. Maintenance of these roads is the responsibility of the states. The year 2013 saw the launch of PMGSY-II with the objectives of consolidating the existing rural road network and upgrading existing rural roads that provide connectivity to rural growth centres. PMGSY-II envisages sharing of construction costs between the Centre and the states with maintenance costs continuing to be funded fully by the states.