What is Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Campaign?

The central government organized a campaign of “ Gram Swaraj Abhiyan” for poor welfare. It was from the 14th of April to the 5th of May 2018 on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti. As a result, on 24th April 2018, the central declared the day as ‘National Panchayat Day’.

The campaign is initiated with a line of “ Sabka Sath, Sabka Gaon, Sabka Vikas”. On the other hand, it was implemented under two ministries. They are the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Now let’s read all about this campaign.

Objectives of Gram Swaraj Abhiyan Campaign

• The main aim is to provide 100% coverage of 7 schemes launched by the central government,
• To promote social harmony,
• To spread awareness about pro-poor government initiatives,
• To reach out to poor households to enroll them,
• To get households’ feedback on various welfare programs.

Activities to be Taken Up

• The campaign was held through the partnership of beneficiaries. There were 5 crores women from self-help group members. The campaign includes 33 lakh elected PRI’s members. It also includes MLA’s and MP’s to achieve campaign goals.
• The scheme has partners in progress which are central/ state or local government.
• The campaign has a special endeavor of activities. There will be a saturation of eligible households or persons. They are under 7 flagship pro-poor programs.
• The saturation will be in 530 districts and 21,058 villages covered under it.
• Real-time effective monitoring of the campaign through common portal and apps.

The following are the identified schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna
• Ujala Scheme
• Saubhagya
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
• Mission Indradhanush and,
• Pradhan Mantri Surakhsha Bima Yojna

Areas Covered Under This Campaign:

• 530 districts covered with 21,058 identified villages.
• It will not include Karnataka & West Bengal where the election code of conduct takes place.
• Out of 530 districts, 94 are aimed districts and 117 are under-developed districts. They are listed in NITI Aayog.

Afterward, the honorable prime minister launched an umbrella scheme. It was named “Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan(RGSA)”. The scheme aims to develop and support the Panchayati Raj System in 117 aimed districts. It was for across rural areas in India.

The RGSA approved scheme will help more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati raj institutions. It will develop the skill of governance to deliver on SDG. Hence, will focus on the best use of available resources through all local governance.

The finance minister announced in his budget in 2017-18. It stated to launch a “Mission Antyodaya” to make 50,000 Gram Panchayats poverty-free. Also to bring 1 crore households out of poverty.

The duties of the scheme:

• The schemes train elected members of the Panchayat.
• It is within 6 months of their election and refreshes training with 2 years.
• Usage of technology and e-governance driven solutions at the Panchayat level.
• The solution will provide greater authority, improve service delivery and meet executive efficiency.

The scheme includes central components which are as follows:

• National plan for technical assistance
• Mission mode projects on e-Panchayat
• Encouragement of Panchayats

The scheme includes state components which are as follows:

• Training & Capacity building
• Technical support to principles for responsible investment(PRI’s)
• In PESA areas strengthening of gram Sabha’s
• HR support for training and training infrastructure
• SATCOM for distance learning
• Innovation support
• Financial analysis and data cell
• E-enablement of Panchayats and Panchayat buildings
• PMU & IEC
• Funds for projects based on economic development and enhancing income