Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Empowering Rural India

• The SAGY scheme is significantly changing the lives of villagers by improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare, thereby accelerating India's rural development.
• The initiative empowers villagers by promoting self-sufficiency and enhancing the overall quality of life.
• The Ministry of Rural Development oversees the implementation of Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana .
• The scheme was launched to translate Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-sustained and resilient villages into reality. Also, it plays a major role in promoting social harmony and economic stability.
• SAGY aims to achieve comprehensive development outcomes, including eradication of poverty, enhancement of livelihood opportunities, and significant improvements in public health and education.

Mahatma Gandhi envisioned rural India as a network of self-sustaining villages, each operating as a complete republic yet interdependent for various needs. His ideal village was not just self-sufficient in its basic needs but also promoted a community spirit that celebrated cleanliness, harmony, and inclusivity. Gandhi believed such model villages were the foundation for transforming 'swaraj' (self-rule) into 'su-raj' (good governance).To realise this vision in today's context, the Government of India launched the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana ( SAGY ). This scheme translates Gandhi's comprehensive and organic vision into reality. This SAGY scheme empowers rural India by developing model villages that exemplify the best of governance, sustainability, and community life. Also Read: PMAY Gramin vs PMAY Urban - Know all About Them

The Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana ( SAGY ) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11th October 2014. This initiative was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's vision for an ideal Indian village.The primary aim of SAGY is to develop model villages across India. This initiative focuses on enhancing physical and social infrastructure and instilling core values among the villagers. The approach is holistic, covering all aspects of rural life from agriculture and education to health and sanitation. Also Read: Unlocking Agricultural Potential with Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

The government has strategically categorised the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana development objectives into four key areas: personal, human, economic, and social development.Here’s a brief overview of the SAGY scheme objectives within these categories -

Let’s take a detailed look at PM Adarsh Gram Yojana categories -

• Cleanliness: Encourage the upkeep and sanitation of public and private spaces.
• Personal Values: Cultivate values like integrity, honesty, and responsibility among villagers.
• Cultural Heritage: Preserve and promote local arts, crafts, and cultural practices.
• Behaviour Change: Initiate programmes to alter behaviours towards health, education, and cleanliness for better living standards.

• Education: Access to quality educational facilities and resources for all age groups.
• Health: Improve healthcare access and focus on preventive and curative care.
• Nutrition: Implement programmes to provide balanced diets and address malnutrition.
• Social Security: Enhance the reach and quality of social welfare programmes.

• Livelihoods: Create and support sustainable agricultural and non-agricultural employment opportunities.
• Skills Development: Offer training programmes that enhance vocational skills relevant to the local and national economy.
• Financial Inclusion: Facilitate access to financial services such as banking , loans, and credit.

• Social Values: Instil a sense of community, cooperation, and mutual respect.
• Social Justice: Saansad provides equality and reduces disparities in access to resources and opportunities.
• Good Governance: Strengthen local governance structures, promoting transparency and accountability.

• Sustainability: Promote practices that offer environmental sustainability and resource conservation.
• Waste Management: Develop efficient waste management systems to maintain cleanliness and public health.
• Resource Conservation: Encourage the use of renewable resources and preservation of natural habitats.

• Insurance and Pension: Extend coverage of insurance and pension schemes . This includes health insurance .
• Support for Vulnerable Groups: Provide targeted support programmes for the elderly, disabled, and underprivileged.

• Participation: Enhance community participation in planning and decision-making processes.
• Transparency: Implement measures to provide transparency in all governmental and administrative actions.

• Infrastructure: Improve infrastructure like roads, electricity, and internet connectivity.
• Public Services: Improves the quality and accessibility of public services such as education and healthcare.

• Personal Development
• Human Development
• Economic Development
• Social Development
• Environmental Development
• Social Security
• Good Governance
• Basic Amenities and Services

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana was initiated to address a multitude of challenges that persisted in rural development. These challenges exist despite the success of some Gram Panchayats in achieving integrated local development through inspiring leadership and collective action.Some key challenges that prompted the launch of PM Adarsh Gram Yojana are -

• Lack of Long Term Vision: Difficulty in developing and maintaining a shared vision for development that spans over extended periods.
• Misalignment with Community Needs: A disconnect between the development initiatives delivered and the actual needs of the community.
• Inadequate Participation: Insufficient involvement from all sections of society, particularly the marginalised groups and the elderly.
• Overemphasis on Infrastructure: A focus predominantly on infrastructure and financial expenditure. This leads to overlooking social aspects and sustainable outcomes.
• Unfair Allocation of Benefits: Inequitable decisions regarding the distribution of benefits which affects specific locations and households disproportionately.
• Political Partisanship: Political biases affecting the impartial delivery of services and resources.
• Cultural and Social Ignorance: Disregard for the socio-cultural values of different community segments.
• Multiple Power Structures: Existence of competing power structures within the community without effective mechanisms for reconciliation.
• Neglect of Environmental Concerns: Overlooking environmental sustainability for immediate or short-term gains.
• Social Evils: Persistent social issues such as alcoholism, dowry, casteism, communal tensions, and discrimination against women.

These challenges underline the critical need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to rural development. Saansad was launched as a strategic response to transform rural areas into examples of self-sufficiency and sustainable development. Also Read: Types Of Pension Plans and Their Pros and Cons

The Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is fundamentally designed to instil a set of core values in villagers, transforming them into models for others.The core values of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana are listed below -

• Community-Driven Participation
• Inclusive Decision-Making
• Supporting the Most Vulnerable
• Promoting Gender Equality
• Upholding Social Justice
• Valuing Community Service
• Cultivating Cleanliness
• Environmental Conservation
• Preserving Cultural Heritage
• Encouraging Cooperation
• Fostering Peace and Unity
• Ensuring Transparency
• Strengthening Local Governance
• Adhering to Constitutional Values

Following strategies are used for different activities under PM Adarsh Gram Yojana -

The Saansad operates through a structured approach to transform rural areas into model villages. Given below is a breakdown of how the programme works -

• Village Development Plan (VDP): Every identified Gram Panchayat begins with the creation of a Village Development Plan. This plan focuses on uplifting the poor households and improving overall village prosperity. The process starts with environmental creation and social mobilisation for community involvement.
• Systematic Environment Creation: Before formulating the VDP, there is a phase of systematic environment creation involving interactions with local communities through various activities such as meetings (Gram Sabha, Mahila Sabha), cultural events, and awareness campaigns. This is necessary to build a collective vision for development.
• Situation Analysis: This step of the SAGY scheme involves conducting a baseline survey to gather data on the existing conditions and deficiencies within the village. It also includes a participatory situation analysis where community members contribute to creating social maps and needs matrices. These tools help in identifying critical areas of development and resource allocation in PM Adarsh Gram Yojana .
• Review of Initial Activities: The initial activities are reviewed to assess their effectiveness and to determine the readiness of the village to move forward with more complex development strategies. This review is crucial in Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana for refining the VDP based on actual outcomes versus expected outcomes.
• Strategy Setting: Based on the data collected and the initial review, a comprehensive strategy for village development is formulated. This strategy addresses the specific needs identified through the situation analysis and aims to use available resources effectively.
• Identifying Resource Envelope: This SAGY scheme step involves mapping out all available resources, including government grants, local contributions, and potential private sector involvement. Understanding the resource envelope is important for realistic planning and execution of the VDP.
• Finalisation of Needs: The needs of the village are finalised through consultations with various stakeholders including women's groups, farmer associations, and youth clubs. It confirms that VDP addresses the actual requirements of the village population.
• Preparation of Draft Village Development Plan: A draft VDP is prepared, outlining the planned activities, expected outcomes, and timelines. This plan is comprehensive and includes contributions from the initial stages and feedback from the community.
• Clearance and Approval: The draft VDP is presented to the Gram Sabha for discussion and clearance. Following this, it is submitted to a district-level committee for final approval.
• Projectisation and Sanctions: Once approved, the VDP is broken down into specific projects or components, which are then sanctioned and funded. This Saansad step involves detailed project planning, including technical designs, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Disclosure and Dissemination: Details of the VDP and its various components are made public through various channels for transparency. This includes sharing information on the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana goals, financial details, and progress of the projects with the community and other stakeholders.

Also Read: PMAY List 2024 - Check Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana List (Gramin & Urban)

The Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana operates through a well-defined structure of responsibilities at various levels of governance for its effective implementation -

• MPs are responsible for choosing the villages to be developed under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana scheme.
• They engage with the community to encourage participation and take up self-driven development activities.
• MPs promote the core values of Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana to promote a comprehensive understanding and acceptance among the villagers.
• They help in planning and mobilising additional resources, including CSR and philanthropic contributions.
• They play a major role in regular monitoring of progress and ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Saansad .
• MPs are actively involved in resolving public grievances and coordinating community efforts to achieve non-tangible outcomes.

• The first is led by the Minister for Rural Development with participation from other key ministries.
• The second committee is chaired by the Secretary of Rural Development and includes representatives from various relevant ministries.

• The Ministry of Rural Development oversees the implementation of Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana .
• There are two main committees in PM Adarsh Gram Yojana:
• These committees monitor identification and planning processes, review implementation, address bottlenecks, and promote best practices. They also issue operational guidelines and facilitate the dissemination of successful models.

• Headed by the Chief Secretary, this committee includes relevant department heads and experts, including civil society representatives.
• The committee supplements guidelines, reviews Village Development Plans (VDPs), and checks that the schemes are in sync with state policies.
• It identifies challenges and coordinates with national committees. In addition, it also plans exposure visits to model villages to learn and replicate success.

• The District Collector acts as the nodal officer for Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana .
• The collector organises monthly meetings with all relevant department heads and the concerned MP to assess progress.
• He also appoints and oversees Charge Officers who manage the day-to-day implementation in each Gram Panchayat.
• It ensures the integration of various schemes, conducts baseline surveys, and manages grievance redressal mechanisms.
• The District Collector is responsible for regular updates to the state government and central ministries.

• Members of Parliament (MPs)
• National Level - Government of India
• State Level
• District Level

The eligibility criteria for selecting a Gram Panchayat under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is given below -

• The Gram Panchayat serves as the fundamental unit under SAGY.

• In plain areas, the village should have a population between 3,000 to 5,000.
• In hilly, tribal, and difficult areas, the population range should be between 1,000 to 3,000.

• In districts where the population size does not align with these criteria, a Gram Panchayat approximating the desirable population size may be chosen.

• The MP must select a Gram Panchayat for development other than their own village or that of their spouse.
• Each MP is to identify one Gram Panchayat to be taken up immediately, and two more for later development.

• Lok Sabha MPs must choose a Gram Panchayat within their constituency.
• Rajya Sabha MPs must choose a Gram Panchayat from the rural area of a district in the state from which they are elected.
• For urban constituencies where there are no Gram Panchayats, MPs should select a Gram Panchayat from a nearby rural constituency.

• If an MP’s tenure ends due to resignation or other reasons, the selected Gram Panchayat will continue under PM Adarsh Gram Yojana even if development activities have already commenced.
• Newly elected MPs will have the option to select a new Gram Panchayat of their choice for development under the scheme.

• Basic Unit of Selection:
• Population Criteria:
• Flexibility in Population Size:
• MP’s Role in Selection:
• Constituency Specifications:
• Continuity and Selection by New MPs:

The identification and selection of an "Adarsh Gram" (Model Village) under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana are essential steps towards realising the goal of holistic rural development. It is a village that exemplifies excellence in all dimensions of rural life—from governance and sustainability to infrastructure and social harmony.

Selection Process for Adarsh Gram

• The process begins with the initiative of the local Member of Parliament (MP), who plays a pivotal role in the selection of the Gram Panchayats. MPs are encouraged to select villages based on a comprehensive understanding of their needs and potential for transformation.
• As part of the eligibility criteria, the village must meet specific population standards: 3,000 to 5,000 people in plain areas and 1,000 to 3,000 in hilly or tribal areas. Adjustments can be made based on local demographics to include villages outside these ranges if they approximate the desired characteristics.
• The MP must consult with the community, local leaders, and other stakeholders so that there is broad support for the selection. This consultation helps in comprehending the village's readiness and willingness to embrace the changes the initiative will bring.
• Special consideration is given to verify that the chosen Gram Panchayat is representative of the region's socio-economic and cultural diversity.
• The village’s existing infrastructure and access to basic amenities are reviewed. Villages with the potential for rapid improvement in facilities such as roads, schools, and medical centres are often prioritised to maximise the impact of the Saansad scheme.
• The environmental sustainability of the village is assessed. Villages with the potential to implement and benefit from sustainable practices, such as solar energy and organic farming, are considered favourably.
• Once a village is selected, the MP must document the rationale for selection and obtain formal approval from the relevant district or state-level committees overseeing the SAGY .

Along with the finalisation of the Village Development Plan (VDP), specific timelines are established for various activities. While activity-specific timelines may vary based on local situations, the following broad timelines are suggested -

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana integrates various technological and innovative approaches to amplify the development process in selected villages. These interventions span multiple key areas and are expected to deliver significant improvements in rural livelihoods, governance, and infrastructure.

Key Technologies and Innovations in Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

• Utilisation in planning and monitoring of projects.
• Asset mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Support from state remote sensing agencies.

• Monitoring of programmes through geo-tagging.
• Modules and support provided by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

• Enhancements in productivity and value addition sourced from local Krishi Vigyan Kendras and district ATMA.

• Technologies sourced from the National Innovation Foundation and the Bank of Ideas and Innovation.

• Utilisation of local materials and designs.
• Support from the Ministry of Rural Development and the Rural Housing Knowledge Network at IIT Delhi.

• Technologies provided by the National Road Development Agency under the Ministry of Rural Development.

• Innovations provided by the Ministry of Drinking Water to cost-effectively enhance water supply and sanitation.

• Space Applications and Remote Sensing
• Mobile-Based Technologies
• Agriculture-Related Technologies and Innovations
• Livelihood-Related Technology and Innovation
• Appropriate Building Construction Technologies
• Road Construction Technologies
• Water Supply and Sanitation-Related Technologies

Also Read: Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana aims to transform rural communities. Some of the expected outcomes under SAGY scheme are -

• Enhanced Employment Opportunities: Boost in job availability across sectors.
• Increased Livelihood Options: Diversification and strengthening of income sources.
• Eradication of Forced Labour: Elimination of bonded and child labour practices.
• Comprehensive Civil Documentation: Full registration of all births and deaths.
• Mitigation of Distress Migration: Reduction in the migration caused by economic stress.
• Community-Based Dispute Resolution: Establishment of locally accepted dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Strengthened Social Harmony: Promotion of peace and understanding within the community.
• Inspirational Model for Other Villages: Setting a replicable model of development for surrounding areas.

As of 2024, the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana ( SAGY ) continues to gain popularity across India due to its holistic approach to rural development. Launched with the vision to transform rural areas into model villages, SAGY scheme has successfully integrated community participation with sustainable development practices.While the initiative moves forward, it shows measurable progress in improving the living standards in selected villages. It has showcased a scalable model for nationwide rural advancement. This continued momentum highlights its pivotal role in shaping the future of rural India.