The National Consultative Workshop on the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) was inaugurated at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi today. The event was graced by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR). The day-long workshop brought together senior officials from the States and Union Territories of Panchayati Raj Departments, as well as State Institutes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs). The objective of the workshop was to further refine the implementation strategy of RGSA and collectively contribute to the framework of the proposed next phase.

 

In his keynote address, Shri Vivek Bharadwaj described the workshop as a vital opportunity to listen to the stakeholders, reflect on the feedback provided, that will help in improving the new version of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). He noted that Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are constitutionally recognized units of Local Self-Government and called for deeper participation of PRIs in planning, decision-making and governance processes. He encouraged participants to share field-based suggestions and challenges faced therein, emphasizing that insights from the ground are crucial for shaping future-ready Panchayats. Shri Bharadwaj reiterated that true institutional strengthening happens when systems are responsive to feedback and committed to quality at every level. He stressed that Panchayats must be seen not only as implementers of schemes but also as equal stakeholders in India’s democratic governance structure.

Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary MoPR, stated that the current phase of the RGSA is entering its concluding year in 2025, and this workshop was organized with the purpose of building consensus on the way forward. He informed that a new and strengthened version of RGSA is proposed to be launched from the year 2026, based on shared learnings and practical feedback received through this consultative process. He said that the revamped RGSA has contributed meaningfully to strengthening Panchayats across the country, particularly through capacity building, need-based training, and digital governance tools. He mentioned key achievements under RGSA, like the integration of the “Planning to Payment” process through the eGramSwaraj Portal, which has promoted transparency, financial discipline, and accountability in Panchayat functioning. He also acknowledged the value of tools like the Panchayat Advancement Index in identifying gaps and promoting data-driven improvement at the grassroots level.

During the workshop, a detailed presentation on the revamped RGSA was given, highlighting the scheme’s key achievements and its evolution into a holistic framework aimed at empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) through capacity building, digital enablement, infrastructure development, and innovative approaches. Another technical presentation outlined cost norms and funding structures under the scheme. The workshop also featured focused group discussions on five critical components of RGSA: Capacity Building & Training, Institutional Mechanisms, Panchayat Infrastructure, PESA implementation, and Special Components with an emphasis on innovation and economic development wherein participating State teams shared valuable inputs, including best practices, grassroots-level challenges and policy recommendations. The insights gathered during the workshop will help shape the structure of the next phase of RGSA and contribute towards building more efficient, accountable and development-focused Panchayati Raj Institutions in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

For more details on RGSA: Click Here

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Aditi Agrawal

(Release ID: 2153665)