Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Government of India, launched with the objective of strengthening local self-governance through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). It seeks to reimagine Panchayats as vibrant centres of economic growth and grassroots democracy by building institutional capacities, promoting digital governance, and localising sustainable development efforts.

Background and Launch

• The scheme was first launched on 24 April 2018, coinciding with National Panchayat Day, as an umbrella programme under the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
• In 2022, a revamped version of RGSA was approved for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26, aligning with the XV Finance Commission period.
• The revamped scheme emphasises a whole-of-government approach, thematic alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and stronger institutional frameworks.

Objectives

The key goals of RGSA include:

1. Capacity building of PRIs (Gram Panchayats, Block & District Panchayats) to enable good governance and service delivery
2. Leadership training for elected representatives so they can better govern at the local level
3. Localisation of SDGs by integrating development goals into village planning
4. Promoting digital governance, transparency, accountability in PRI functions
5. Improving infrastructure of Panchayat offices and institutions
6. Gradual devolution of functions, powers, and finances to Panchayats
7. Encouraging innovative revenue generation and economic initiatives at the grassroots level

Scheme Features & Components

Capacity Building & Training

• Elected Representatives (ERs) must be given basic orientation training within 6 months of election, and refresher training within 2 years.
• Training modules are designed around thematic issues (e.g. health, infrastructure, livelihoods, environment) and linked to SDG goals.
• Institutional training frameworks include State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs) and other partner institutions.

Digital & E-Governance

• The scheme supports the eGramSwaraj digital platform, which facilitates planning, accounting, and monitoring functions for Panchayats.
• It seeks integration with systems like PFMS (Public Financial Management System) and GeM (Government e-Marketplace) to ensure transparency in procurement and payments.

Panchayat Infrastructure

• Funds are allocated for construction, repair, and upgrading of Panchayat Bhawans (office buildings) to provide functional spaces for governance.
• Facilities like computers, connectivity, and citizen service centres are also supported to enable digital service delivery.

Institutional Mechanisms & Incentives

• A Central Empowered Committee oversees the scheme’s implementation, approves state action plans, and coordinates across ministries.
• Performance grants, awards, and incentive mechanisms encourage Panchayats to achieve benchmark outcomes in governance and service delivery.
• States prepare annual action plans (AAPs), aligned with thematic priorities and SDG localisation, to receive central funding.

Funding & Financial Provisions

• Under the revamped version, the funding pattern (State : Centre) is generally 40 : 60, except for North Eastern and Himalayan states and certain Union Territories where the central share may be higher (e.g., 90 : 10).
• For other UTs (without legislature), the central share is 100%.

Achievements & Progress

• Between 2018-19 and 2021-22, RGSA has trained over 1.43 crore participants, including PRI members, staff, and stakeholders.
• In FY 2022-23 alone, 43.36 lakh people were covered under RGSA training.
• Uptake of eGramSwaraj has increased, with many Gram Panchayats uploading their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), budgets, and expenditure reports.
• Infrastructure work under the scheme includes sanctioning of Panchayat buildings in states like Maharashtra (e.g. approval for 500 new buildings).

Challenges & Limitations

• Diverse capacity across states and rural areas: some Panchayats lack trained personnel or institutional readiness
• Incomplete devolution of powers and finances still limits Panchayat autonomy
• Ensuring sustained funding and coordination between central, state, and departmental agencies
• Technological readiness (connectivity, digital literacy) gaps in remote areas can constrain e-governance components
• Monitoring and ensuring quality of training and implementation across vast number of Panchayats

Future Directions

• The current phase ends in March 2026; discussions are underway to launch a further strengthened version from 2026 onwards, incorporating field learnings and feedback.
• Greater emphasis is expected on data-driven governance, block/district support systems, and peer learning among Panchayats
• Deeper convergence with line departments to ensure sectoral schemes (health, water, sanitation, livelihoods) are integrated into Gram Panchayat planning
• Strengthening Panchayat Advancement Index frameworks to benchmark and incentivise improvements