Centre Approves ₹7,395 Crore Scheme to Boost Village Development

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY), a major initiative aimed at strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions and accelerating rural development across India. The scheme has a total outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore and will be implemented over five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31. It aims to empower Gram Panchayats to prepare development plans based on their specific needs and local priorities.

A key focus of the scheme is improving governance at the grassroots level. Elected representatives and Panchayat officials will receive training to strengthen their administrative and governance capabilities. The initiative will also encourage Panchayats to mobilise their own revenue, improve financial transparency and make effective use of available funds. According to the government, around 32 lakh elected representatives and other stakeholders across more than 2.55 lakh Panchayats and traditional local bodies will benefit directly from the scheme.