Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Eligibility & Benefits

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is a transformative rural development programme initiated by the Government of India to foster holistic village development. It aims to develop model villages, known as Adarsh Gram, through comprehensive social and economic interventions to improve the quality of life.

Read along to learn how the SAGY scheme is shaping the future of rural India.

What is Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)?

The SAGY is an initiative that focuses on the holistic development of rural areas. Under this scheme, members of the Parliament (MPs) adopt villages and facilitate their growth into model villages. The goal is to create villages that can serve as benchmarks for others, promoting overall health, education, sanitation and infrastructure development. The SAGY Yojana emphasises community-driven development, where villagers actively participate in planning and implementing initiatives.

Eligibility for Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

To qualify under the SAGY scheme, a village must have a population of 3,000-5,000 in plains and 1,000-3,000 in hilly or tribal areas. All MPs are eligible to participate and are encouraged to adopt villages while ensuring impartiality. The selected village list is updated regularly and priority is given to villages with existing infrastructure that can be further developed.

Objectives of SAGY scheme

The scheme has a multi-faceted approach to rural development. Its primary objectives include:

1. Creating Adarsh Grams that serve as models of holistic development.
2. Enhancing the quality of life in rural areas by improving access to education, healthcare, and sanitation.
3. Promoting social harmony and community participation in development activities.
4. Encouraging sustainable practices to ensure long-term growth.
5. Strengthening local governance and empowering villagers to take charge of their development.

Functioning bodies & functions of SAGY

The SAGY operates through a structured framework involving various bodies, including:

1. National level: Committees headed by the minister and secretary of rural development monitor the scheme’s progress, review implementation and address bottlenecks.
2. State level: A committee led by the chief secretary supplements central guidelines, reviews village development plans and ensures effective implementation.
3. District level: The district collector conducts baseline surveys, facilitates village development plans, converges relevant schemes and ensures grievance redressal.
4. Village level: The gram panchayat and functionaries implement the scheme, identify common needs, leverage resources and ensure community participation.

Major activities under Adarsh Gram Yojana

The Adarsh Gram Yojana encompasses various activities aimed at comprehensive village development,  including:

1. Building roads, schools and community centres to improve accessibility and amenities.
2. Promoting cleanliness through Swachh Bharat initiatives and providing access to health insurance policy and family health insurance schemes.
3. Establishing schools, libraries and digital learning centres to enhance educational opportunities.
4. Encouraging skill development and entrepreneurship to boost local economies.
5. Organising cultural events and awareness programmes to foster social cohesion.

How is an Adarsh Gram selected?

An Adarsh Gram is selected based on the discretion of the MP, who adopts a village from their constituency. The selection is guided by the village’s need for development, potential for transformation and willingness of the community to participate. The chosen village is then included in the Adarsh Gram Yojana village list and a detailed development plan is prepared.

Benefits of SAGY scheme

The SAGY scheme offers numerous benefits:

1. Addresses multiple facets of life, including infrastructure, education, health and livelihoods.
2. Encourages active participation of villagers in decision-making processes.
3. Promotes the effective use of existing schemes and resources.
4. Developed Adarsh Gram serve as models for other villages.
5. Integration of health insurance policy and family health insurance to ensure villagers have access to affordable healthcare.

What are the expected outcomes of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)?

Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana aims to achieve several long-term outcomes:

1. Enhanced access to basic amenities, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.
2. Strengthened social fabric through inclusive development and reduced disparities.
3. Increased employment opportunities and income through skill development and infrastructure improvements.
4. Adoption of eco-friendly practices and improved natural resource management.

FAQs

• What is the goal of the SAGY scheme?

The SAGY scheme seeks to create Adarsh Grams that serve as models of holistic rural development.

• How are villages selected under the Adarsh Gram Yojana?

Villages are chosen based on population and existing infrastructure, prioritising those that can be developed into model villages.

• What role do MPs play in the SAGY Yojana?

The MPs are responsible for identifying and developing villages under the scheme, ensuring their transformation into Adarsh Grams.

Conclusion

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is an innovative approach to rural development. Although it has achieved notable successes since its launch in 2014, its full potential depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. The principles and objectives of SAGY offer guidance for inclusive and sustainable rural development.

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