The objectives and key features of Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) are as under:

1. Develop the capacity of elected representatives of PRIs for leadership Roles to enable the Gram Panchayats to function effectively as third tier of Government;
2. Strengthening Gram Sabhas to function effectively as the basic forum of people's participation within the Panchayat system.
3. Promote e-governance and other technology driven solutions to enable good governance in Panchayat administrative efficiency and improved service delivery with transparency and accountability;
4. Promote devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats according to the spirit of the Constitution and PESA Act 1996; etc.

The erstwhile Rashtriya Gram SwarajAbhiyan was implemented for the period of 2018-19 to 2021-22 and subsequently the Scheme has been revamped for implementation during the period FY 2022-23 to 2025-26 in co-terminus with 15^th Finance Commission. The total financial outlay of revamped RGSA scheme for the period FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26 is Rs. 5911 crore in which Central Share is Rs 3700 Crore and State matching Share is Rs. 2211 crore. However, year-wise funds released to States/UTs during last five years areas under:

(Rs. in Crore)

S. No.	Financial year	Fund released
1	2021-22	614.25
2	2022-23	672.97
3	2023-24	800.17
4	2024-25	670.40
5	2025-26 (till 25.11.2025)	697.00

 

An external evaluation of the Revamped RGSA has been undertaken through the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA). The study conducted a large-scale field survey covering 600 Gram Panchayats across 120 blocks in 60 districts of 16 States, engaging over 6,000 stakeholders, including Elected Representatives, Panchayat Functionaries, line department officials, trainers/faculty, and State/District RGSA units. In addition, NITI Aayog has commissioned an independent assessment of RGSA to provide complementary evidence on outcomes. The evaluations indicate that the scheme’s structured, multi-layered capacity-building, combining classroom/thematic modules, exposure visits and digital learning, has enhanced PRI capacities in Panchayat operations, planning and implementation (including GPDP), digital governance, citizen engagement and financial management. Post-training assessments record measurable gains in knowledge and practice, supporting more effective local governance and the Localisation of SDGs.

The implementation of the scheme is closely monitored through meetings and video conferences with State officials, and field visits by senior officers. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of RGSA, while approving a State’s Annual Action Plan (AAP), considers the progress of implementation and the utilisation of funds. States/UTs are regularly reminded to furnish the requisite documents, including Utilisation Certificates (UCs) and Auditor’s Reports, in accordance with Ministry of Finance instructions, for the regulation of fund releases.

The scheme is being implemented since financial year 2022-23 in States/ UTs with main objective of capacitating Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) through imparting training to the Elected Representatives (ERs), functionaries and other stakeholders to develop their governance capabilities for leadership roles to enable the Panchayats to function effectively. Under revamped RGSA scheme, capacity building and training of elected representatives, functionaries and other stakeholders of Panchayats supported under different categories viz. basic orientation and refresher training, thematic training, specialized training, panchayat development plan training, etc. Apart from different trainings, scheme also supports for exposure visits of Elected Representatives and Panchayat Functionaries, development of training modules and materials, etc.

In addition, a new initiative has also been taken for capacity building and training of elected representatives and functionaries of Panchayats through institutes of excellence under Leadership/Management Development Program (MDP). Ministry also organizes workshop on different subjects and sharing of best practices for cross State learning.

Under the scheme of revamped RGSA, computers are provided on limited scales for digital enablement of Gram Panchayats. Further, the Ministry runs various web based portal like eGramSwaraj, Gram Manchitra, Meri Panchayat App which facilitate Panchayati Raj Institutions for decentralised planning, transparent fund-flow & expenditure tracking, asset & works management, and citizen-centric governance.

This information was given by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 03rd December 2025.

 

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