Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana

Sponsored by:   Both: Central & State Government

Ministry/Department: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

Introduced on:  Implemented since 2006-07

Objectives

• Assisting efforts of the State Government for training and capacity building of elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions
• It focuses primarily on providing financial assistance to the States/UTs for Training & Capacity Building of elected representatives (ERs) and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
• Funding of the scheme is applicable only for the non-BRGF districts (provide internal link)
• Upgradation of knowledge, skills and attitudes of Panchayat elected representatives to better perform their responsibilities towards the Panchayat
• Orientation of the key officials associated with the functions devolved to Panchayats for effectively facilitating the Panchayats in their performance in respective areas
• Improvement of the vigour of practice of grassroots level democracy through promoting the effective functioning of the Gram Sabha
• Sensitisation of the media, political parties, representatives in the legislatures, civil society organisations, trade unions, service federations and citizens to view Panchayati Raj as an effective level of local government

Salient Features:

• Funding pattern of the scheme is: 75 % Central Government and 25% State Government
• The scheme has two components of Training & Capacity Building andInfrastructure Development.
• Under the component of Training & Capacity Building, financial assistance is provided to the States/UTs for Training  of elected representatives (ERs) and functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs as well as for setting up of Satellite/SWAN based training infrastructure for Distance Learning for the ERs and Functionaries of the PRIs.
• Under the component of Infrastructure Development, assistance is provided for establishment of Panchayat Resource Centres/ Panchayat Bhawans at Block/Gram Panchayat levels.
• The scheme is demand driven in nature
• The training content encompasses a range of issues, including improving the process of planning, budgeting and expenditure management, information systems, participatory and consultative decision making, improving local taxation and in particular delivery of public services to the poor.
• The scheme of RGSY supports the National Capability Building Framework of the Panchayati Raj Ministry for comprehensive Capacity Building & Training of the Elected Representatives & Functionaries of Panchayati Raj Institutions

Note

A major initiative has been proposed by the Union Budget 2012-13 to strengthen Panchayats across the country through the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan (RGPSA).  This programme will expand on the existing schemes for Panchayat capacity building.