Lok Sabha Question No. 2987 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-18
Subject: RGSA Achievements
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Sudhakar Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2987

ANSWERED ON 18/03/2025

## RGSAACHIEVEMENTS

## 2987. SHRI SUDHAKAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of achievements have been made under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) since its implementation in terms of strengthening the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs);
- (b) whether despite the RGSA, why are many Panchayats still struggling with inadequate funds and lack of basic equipment, such as computers, internet connectivity, and office infrastructure;
- (c) the details of specific steps are being taken by the Government to ensure timely and sufficient fund allocation to Panchayats under RGSA to improve their functioning and service delivery; and
- (d) whether there are any measures planned by the Government to monitor and assess the effectiveness of the scheme in addressing the grassroots challenges faced by Panchayati Raj Institutions?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (PROF. S.P. SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) Ministry is implementing Revamped Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) w.e.f. financial year 2022-23 in States/ UTs with main objective of capacitating Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) through imparting training to the Elected Representatives (ERs), functionaries and other stakeholders to develop their governance capabilities for leadership roles to enable the Panchayats to function effectively. Apart from training, under RGSA, Ministry also provides support to the States/ UTs to establish institutional mechanism for the Capacity Building & Training and to create Panchayat infrastructure like Gram Panchayat Bhawan, Computer and Co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Gram Panchayat Bhawan on limited scale mainly for North Eastern, Hilly and difficult areas.

Under the scheme of RGSA, since 2022-23, approx. 11,481,786 participants were provided training in States/UTs. Further, 11,693 construction of Panchayat Bhawan, 46,860

computers and 15,887 collocation of Common Service Centre (CSC) in Gram Panchayat Bhawawn approved to States/ UTs, includes carryover of previous scheme.

(b) 'Panchayat' being 'local government' is a State subject and part of State list of Seventh Schedule of Constitution of India. Hence, providing basic infrastructural facilities such as GP building, computer, internet connectivity etc are primarily the responsibility of the State. However, Ministry supplements the efforts of the States/UTs, through RGSA scheme towards supporting the functioning of GPs by providing construction of Panchayat Bhawan & computers as proposed by States/UTs in their Annual Action Plan and approved by Central Empowered Committee on a limited scale.

(c) & (d) The release of funds under the scheme is contingent upon several factors, including the regular conduct of Panchayat elections, submission of Annual Action Plans, formal requests for fund disbursement, the availability of unspent balances with States and Union Territories, and the provision of Utilization Certificates and Auditor Reports. The Ministry ensures the timely convening of Central Empowered Committee meetings to approve the Annual Action Plans of States and UTs, thereby enabling the release of funds.

The implementation of the scheme, including the utilization of funds released to States, is closely monitored through various mechanisms such as meetings, video conferences with State officials, and field visits by senior officers. The Central Empowered Committee of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), while approving a State's Annual Action Plan, considers the progress of scheme implementation and fund utilization. States and Union Territories are consistently reminded to submit requisite documents, including Utilization Certificates and Auditor's Reports, in compliance with Ministry of Finance instructions to regulate fund releases.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced eGramSwaraj, an online application aimed at streamlining Panchayat functions such as planning, accounting, and budgeting. Additionally, an online monitoring and reporting system (Management Information System) for RGSA has been developed. To enhance financial transparency and efficiency, eGramSwaraj has been integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), enabling Gram Panchayats to process real-time payments to vendors and service providers.

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