PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana approved for Panchayats till 2030-31
Why in the news
On 28 October 2026 the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to strengthen Panchayat governance.
Key facts
- Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31, co-terminus with the 16th Finance Commission.
- Coverage: about 32 lakh elected representatives, functionaries and stakeholders across over 2.55 lakh Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies, including non-Part IX areas.
- eGramSwaraj: support for 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans every year.
- AuditOnline: at least 2.55 lakh online audit plans a year.
- PANCHAM: AI-enabled two-way platform explaining schemes in 17 languages.
- Awareness episodes are to reach at least 1 crore citizens each.
- The 16th Finance Commission recommended about Rs 4.35 lakh crore in grants to Rural Local Bodies for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Funding pattern
| Share | Amount |
|---|---|
| Central share | Rs 4,869.48 crore |
| State share | Rs 2,526.07 crore |
| Total | Rs 7,395.55 crore |
About the scheme
PM VGSY places the Gram Panchayat at the centre of local planning, bringing plans of Union ministries and States onto one digital platform and linking national schemes to village needs via Gram Sabhas. It also aims at better accounting, public disclosure and own source revenue. States and UTs submit Annual Action Plans, approved by a Central Empowered Committee. No permanent posts will be created.
Exam angle
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme; outlay Rs 7,395.55 crore.
- Platforms: eGramSwaraj, AuditOnline, PANCHAM.
- Link with 16th Finance Commission grants to Rural Local Bodies.