New Delhi: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted the significance of the Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana, describing it as a major initiative aimed at empowering rural communities across India. The five-year scheme will have an outlay of Rs 7,395 crore and cover approximately 2.78 lakh rural local bodies across all states and union territories.

Speaking in Delhi, Vaishnaw said the initiative could bring significant benefits to millions of people living in rural areas by strengthening local-level planning, accountability and self-governance.

Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana to Strengthen Local Planning

According to Vaishnaw, the scheme's primary focus is to build capacity at the local level and enable rural institutions to identify their resources, challenges and development needs.

The initiative emphasises planning that takes into account local conditions, including available resources, constraints and institutional capabilities. This approach is intended to help rural local bodies develop plans suited to their specific circumstances.

The minister described the scheme as a significant step towards strengthening local empowerment and self-reliance.

Rs 7,395 Crore Scheme to Cover 2.78 Lakh Rural Bodies

The Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana will be implemented over five years, with a total financial outlay of Rs 7,395 crore.

Vaishnaw said the scheme would extend across all states and union territories, covering approximately 2.78 lakh rural local bodies. Its stated objectives include improving accountability, encouraging self-reliance and strengthening local self-governance.

The nationwide coverage is intended to bring local institutions into the planning process while taking regional differences into account.

Traditional Tribal Institutions Also Included

Vaishnaw also highlighted the inclusion of traditional local bodies operating in several tribal areas. He said the scheme would be implemented in these institutions as well.

The inclusion of traditional bodies reflects the initiative's stated focus on local-level planning that considers the specific circumstances and institutional structures of different communities.

Overall, the Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana aims to strengthen rural governance through capacity-building, resource assessment and locally tailored development planning. Further implementation details and timelines were not specified in the minister's statement.