PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana Gets Cabinet Nod for 2026-31
New Delhi, October 28: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The centrally sponsored scheme will be implemented from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 7,395.55 crore.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on the social media platform X, said the government is committed to the development of rural areas and the empowerment of panchayats. He said the approval would allow locally driven plans that respond to local resources, capabilities and challenges.
The Prime Minister added that the step would boost public participation and help the country reach Sustainable Development Goals more rapidly.
Split of the Outlay
The Centre's contribution to the scheme stands at Rs 4,869.48 crore. The state governments' share is Rs 2,526.07 crore. The scheme will end with the Sixteenth Finance Commission cycle, according to an official statement.
Target Groups
About 32 lakh elected representatives, panchayat officials and other stakeholders are expected to benefit directly. More than 25 lakh panchayats and traditional local bodies fall within the scheme's ambit.
Awareness sessions under the campaign will collectively reach at least 1 crore citizens.
Goals of the Scheme
The scheme will help prepare 2.55 lakh Samagra Gram Panchayat Development Plans every year on the e-Gram Swaraj portal. It aims to bring together village priorities, the interventions of relevant central and state departments and available resources through a shared and evidence-based planning approach.
Existing digital and outreach platforms, gram sabhas and other panchayat forums will be used to deepen understanding of relevant government schemes and national initiatives. Informed discussion about their local impact will also be encouraged.
Capacity and Digital Support
The scheme will strengthen the governance capabilities of around 32 lakh elected representatives, panchayat officials and stakeholders every year through capacity building and digital support. The aim is to improve comprehensive planning, citizen communication, resource management and progress toward locally relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
It will also support the preparation of at least 2.55 lakh online audit plans annually and help complete related audits on schedule through Audit Online. Officials said stronger accounting, public disclosure and own source revenue mobilisation will improve accountability for available funds and support financially self-reliant panchayats.
Contractual Staffing
No permanent posts will be created under the scheme, the official statement said. States may appoint need-based contractual human resources at the state, district and block levels as part of the institutional mechanism for achieving scheme objectives and providing technical assistance.
National Reach
The scheme will extend to all states and union territories. This includes rural local government institutions in areas that are not covered under Part IX of the Constitution and where panchayats do not exist.
The scheme will strengthen panchayats' ability to use Finance Commission grants and other funds effectively, raise own source revenue and ensure online accounting, auditing and public disclosure. This is expected to promote transparent use of resources, address shortcomings in local development and build accountable, self-reliant panchayats.