Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana: Civil Services Mentor Magazine - January - 2015

Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

All the governments, from the time of independence, have worked for the development of rural areas. Rural development implies both the economic betterment of people as well as greater social transformation. Increased participation of people in the rural development programs, decentralization of planning, better enforcement of land reforms and greater access to credit are envisaged for providing the rural people with better prospects. Immediately after the independence agriculture, education, health etc. were the main focus areas for government. But it was rightly realized that development efforts in rural areas are sustainable only if local community and population is involved in the development programs. So community development program was launched in order to develop the community as a whole. In order to ensure that the fruits of economic reform are shared by all sections of societies, efforts and schemes are progressively modified with time like Department of rural development was elevated to the status of ministry in 1974. Keeping in view the needs and aspirations of the local people, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) have been given the constitutional status by 73rd constitutional amendment. PRIs are now involved at every step from programme formulation till implementation, which helps in fulfilling the aspirations of the local population.

In keeping with the tradition of giving importance towards the village development Pradhan mantri has launched a new scheme known as “Saansad Adarsh gram yojana”. Under this scheme each Member of Parliament will take the responsibility of developing physical and institutional infrastructure in three villages by 2019. The goal is to develop three Adarsh Grams or model villages by March 2019, of which one would be achieved by 2016. Thereafter, five such Adarsh Grams (one per year) will be selected and developed by 2024. The Project was launched on the occasion of birth anniversary of Jai Prakash Narayan who was pioneer in working towards rural development. Some important features of the scheme are-

The Scheme takes a holistic approach towards development across multiple areas such as agriculture, health, education, sanitation, environment, livelihoods etc.
Apart from infrastructural development scheme also aims at instilling certain values, such as people’s participation, Antyodaya, gender equality, dignity of women, social justice, spirit of community service, cleanliness, eco-friendliness, maintaining ecological balance, peace and harmony etc.
Gram Panchayat would be the basic unit for development.
Village will have a population of 3000-5000 in plain areas and 1000-3000 in hilly, tribal and difficult areas. In districts where this unit size is not available, Gram Panchayats approximating the desirable population size may be chosen.
Plan for development will be devised by gram panchayat with special emphasis for development of poor households.
Women participation in the decision-making process will be encouraged. In fact the Scheme envisages holding Mahila Sabhas and Bal Sabhas to discuss women and children specific issues and concerns.