Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and its role in transformation of Rural Assam: A case study in Kamrup District of Assam

Abstract

Improved rural connectivity is the instrumental for overall development of the rural Economy. Better access to all weather rural connectivity brings positive change to rural economy which in turn leads to better access to social and economic services. PMGSY has been considered one of the important steps towards rural development. Rural connectivity scenario has been improved with the implementation of PMGSY. Improved rural connectivity has impacted the rural economy in terms of employment generation, asset creation and some other major parameters like health, education and agriculture in rural economy. In this paper, attempt has been made to examine the impact of the improved rural connectivity under PMGSY in rural economy. For this purpose, two case studies have been conducted in kamrup district of Assam. Present study tried to capture the impact of improved rural connectivity in five critical areas like Agriculture, Health, Education, Transportation and Employment. It can be said that improved rural connectivity under PMGSY has been playing a key role in transforming the rural economy. Positive change has been observed in all these five areas in the study area after implementation of this flagship Programme.