How is the PM Gram Sadak Yojana Accelerating Projects in LWE Regions and the Northeast?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasizes the urgency of rural road projects in LWE-affected regions, particularly in Chhattisgarh and the Northeast. With the 25th anniversary of PMGSY approaching, the initiative aims to transform rural infrastructure and improve access to essential services.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent acceleration of rural road projects in LWE zones is prioritized.
- High-quality standards for road construction are mandated.
- Focus on Northeast and Chhattisgarh for infrastructure development.
- 25th anniversary celebrations of PMGSY planned for December 2025.
- Significant improvements in access to education and health facilities.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, on Thursday urged officials to expedite rural road initiatives in areas impacted by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE), particularly in Chhattisgarh and the Northeast.
During a meeting aimed at assessing the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Chouhan instructed officials to enhance the work tempo nationwide, with a special emphasis on LWE-affected regions and the Northeast. He also stressed the importance of swiftly addressing any coordination challenges with state governments, as noted in an official statement.
The meeting, which was attended by Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Singh and other senior officials, highlighted the necessity for all road construction projects to meet high-quality standards and be completed within the designated timelines. This ensures the creation of durable infrastructure that promotes inclusive rural development.
Officials provided the Union Minister with updates on the state-wise implementation of PMGSY, indicating that while progress in certain hilly and disaster-stricken areas had temporarily slowed due to natural disasters, activities in other regions were advancing seamlessly.
Specific attention was directed towards the northeastern states and the LWE-affected areas, including Chhattisgarh, as outlined in the official statement.
Chouhan called for intensified efforts in the Northeast and announced plans to convene a focused review meeting in the region shortly.
This meeting will include Chief Ministers and representatives from various states, covering a wide array of rural development initiatives — encompassing PMGSY, MGNREGA, Skill Development, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission — to ensure effective and timely execution of all programs, as per the statement.
The meeting also explored strategies to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in December 2025 with celebratory events nationwide.
Chouhan described PMGSY as a groundbreaking program that has instigated transformative changes in rural India. “This initiative has altered both the condition and trajectory of our villages. Achieving 25 years is a significant milestone,” he remarked.
Official data updated until August 8, 2025, reveals that under PMGSY-III, a total of 564 roads spanning 4,247 km have been approved. Additionally, 69 bridges have also received approval under this scheme.
PMGSY-III aims to enhance the existing rural road network by upgrading Through Routes and Major Rural Links that connect communities to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals.
The upgrading process prioritizes work that connects vital facilities such as rural markets and health and education establishments, according to a Ministry document.
The document further elaborated on the outcomes of the scheme, indicating that various independent assessments conducted by NITI Aayog, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A), the World Bank, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, have concluded that PMGSY has significantly improved access to educational and healthcare facilities, fostered job creation in both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors, and assisted farmers in obtaining better prices for their produce.
According to the document, PMGSY roads have facilitated better educational prospects for children, especially for girls, enabling them to continue their education beyond elementary levels.
The accessibility of healthcare facilities in rural regions has also improved due to PMGSY roads. Women have been the primary beneficiaries, with a majority of childbirths now occurring in government hospitals, the document stated.
Furthermore, the document highlighted that PMGSY has increased women's participation in financial decision-making, as evidenced by their enhanced market access.
This initiative also contributes to various Sustainable Development Goals focused on poverty alleviation, as stated.
Point of View
The PM Gram Sadak Yojana represents a pivotal strategy in rural development. By prioritizing infrastructure in Left-Wing Extremism-affected regions, the initiative not only fosters connectivity but also promotes socio-economic stability. The focus on quality and timely execution ensures that the benefits reach those most in need, reinforcing the government's commitment to inclusive growth.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM Gram Sadak Yojana?
The PM Gram Sadak Yojana is a government initiative aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages in rural India, enhancing access to essential services.
What areas does the current focus of PMGSY include?
The current focus includes regions affected by Left-Wing Extremism, particularly in Chhattisgarh and the Northeast, to accelerate rural road development.
What are the key achievements of PMGSY?
Key achievements include the approval of 564 roads and 69 bridges under PMGSY-III, improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in rural areas.
Why is the 25th anniversary of PMGSY significant?
The 25th anniversary is significant as it marks a milestone in the initiative's journey of transforming rural infrastructure and supporting inclusive growth across India.
How does PMGSY contribute to women's empowerment?
PMGSY enhances women's access to markets and healthcare, leading to increased participation in financial decision-making and improved outcomes for families.
