Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31

The Union Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY), a scheme sponsored by the Central Government, with the objective of bringing a change in the governance of citizens living in villages to realise the dreams of Viksit Bharat. It would consider the period of the Sixteenth Finance Commission from 2026–27 to 2030–31, and its total funding will be ₹7,395.55 crore. It aims to strengthen the Gram Panchayats with the help of integrated development planning, effective digital governance, capacity building measures, citizen participation, and improved financial accountability.

Total Financial Outlay and Funding Pattern

The total outlay of PM VGSY is ₹7,395.55 crore from 2026–27 to 2030–31. The finance is shared by the Central Government and State Governments concerned.

:The scheme is set for the period of the Sixteenth Finance Commission, covering 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The recommendations of the Finance Commission on providing grants for Rural Local Bodies serve as an important financial background for strengthening planning and resource management at the Panchayat level.

According to the scheme details given, the Sixteenth Finance Commission has given its recommendations for giving approximately ₹4.35 lakh crore.

Key Objectives and Highlights of PM VGSY

1. Gram Panchayats as Centres of Development

• The plan emphasizes Gram Panchayats being at the forefront of planning and coordination.
• Gram Panchayats will be helped to coordinate their requirements along with government efforts and resources in integrated plans of development.

2. Comprehensive Gram Panchayat Development Plans

• PM VGSY will help in the creation of 2.55 lakh GPDPs every year through the eGramSwaraj platform.

3. Integrated Digital Platform for Village Development

• With the help of eGramSwaraj as well as current e-Panchayat platform, the initiative plans to create a more comprehensive digital picture of the development of every Gram Panchayat.

4. Citizen Awareness and Participation

• PM VGSY will make use of existing digital platforms, various outreach efforts, Gram Sabhas and other forums in Panchayats to raise citizen awareness about various government schemes and initiatives.

5. Capacity Building of Elected Representatives

• The program plans to empower the governance abilities of about 32 lakh elected representatives, Panchayat officials and other stakeholders.

6. Online Audit and Financial Transparency

• PM VGSY will also assist in making at least 2.55 lakh online audit plans and in the timely completion of these audits through AuditOnline.

Coverage Across States and Union Territories

The proposed scheme will be implemented in all States and Union Territories. The institutions of traditional rural local government in areas where the Panchayat System does not work as per Article IX of the Constitution will also be included in the scope of this scheme.

The implementation will be done by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. They will make and submit the Action Plans for the year detailing the activities along with the priorities and needs for carrying out the activities.

The Action Plans will be approved and cleared by the designated Central Empowered Committee according to the prescribed rules and procedures. After getting approvals, the Centre as well as the States/UTs will implement the activities as per their respective responsibilities with the help of coordination, technical support, monitoring and evaluation.

eGramSwaraj and Audit Online – Electronic Tools for Governance

The PM VGSY scheme takes into account the existing electronic platforms that are being utilised for Panchayat governance.

These tools can aid an integrated approach to local governance, including planning, financial planning, public information, and citizen involvement.