Third Phase of PMGSY

India wants roads that are both long-lasting and capable of withstanding all types of weather. Poorly constructed roads hampered effective transit and vehicular mobility in rural areas, particularly in the interiors.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched in December 2000 with the goal of boosting economic activity and providing improved services to rural residents. 

 The goal was to give unlimited all-weather road access to rural India, allowing for the simple movement of products and services throughout the country, resulting in increased economic activity and general development. It was first established as a fully funded scheme by the government.

Objectives

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has the following objectives:

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was created with the goal of improving rural areas’ socioeconomic situations by building long-lasting, all-weather road connections, particularly to unconnected habitations and other key places. 

The goal was to build roads to all of the villages: 

1. by 2003, with a population of 1000 or more people
2. by 2007, with a population of 500 or more people
3. by 2003, settlements with a population of 500 people or more in hill states, tribal areas, and desert areas
4. by 2007, settlements having a population of 250 people or more in hill states, tribal areas, and arid areas 

Importance of PMGSY

Access and Mobility

Due to a lack of mobility and access to such regions, a significant portion of India is out of touch with reality and growth. Lack of access to roads or any other type of transportation has been a major factor in those places lagging far behind in terms of development and progress. For rural development, rural road connectivity is a must. As a result, more people have access to better socioeconomic conditions, and agricultural revenue increases, allowing for a higher standard of living.

Progress in General

The PMGSY strives to eradicate inaccessibility and connection by building reliable, all-weather roads that facilitate vehicle and cargo mobility. Most rural areas in India have faced the burden of planners’ and authorities’ lack of focus in providing them with these essential utilities, resulting in them being mostly ignored. For places like these, the PMGSY is a saving grace. With the emphasis on improving rural India’s connectivity, these places have a better chance of general development and advancement.

Enhanced Employment Prospects

Improved health facilities, economic possibilities, reputable educational institutions, and a higher general quality of life are often found in areas with better connections, sturdy roads, and other amenities. Established businesses always want to locate in places with easy access to well-maintained roads and adequate amenities. Given the PMGSY’s goal of improving the quality of life in rural India, this gives the potential for better employment and expanded job roles.

PMGSY Phase 3

The Cabinet authorised Phase III in July 2019. Consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals is part of the plan. It is suggested that the PMGSY-III Scheme consolidate 1,25,000 kilometres of road length in the states. The programme will run from 2019-20 to 2024-25. Except for 8 North Eastern and 3 Himalayan States (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand), the money would be split 60:40 between the Centre and the States. 

Consolidation of main rural links, roads, and connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets is one of the most important implementation objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana in its present phase (Phase III). Gramin Agricultural Markets, or GrAMs, are retail markets located near farm gates with the goal of improving the efficiency of the transaction of farm produce.

The concept of efficiency in the transaction is brought forth by:

Direct Purchase

Through e-NAM, an online trading platform, the consumer (whether a retail or bulk buyer) can transact with the farmer directly in either a physical or virtual transaction. This method fully eliminates the intermediary, allowing farmers to maximise their profits.

Aggregation of Lots

Small-scale farmers and producers can use institutional frameworks like Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Village Producer Organisations to strengthen their negotiating power (VPOs). The lots of small-time farmer-producers can be collected and finally sold through these FPOs/VPOs.

Challenges Faced by PMGSY

Lack of allocated funds 

Road construction is an expensive undertaking. Not only do the government need a lot of money to build great roads, but they also need to be maintained and up-to-date. Regardless of whether the roads are designated as all-weather, there will be decay and eventual degeneration, necessitating annual repair. Given the fact that the Central Government’s resources are already under strain, obtaining appropriate funding is a major roadblock to the PMGSY’s implementation.

The Planners’ Inefficiency and Lack of Concentration

If the absence of enough funds wasn’t bad enough, there have been other instances of planners and authorities in control not taking the initiative or, in some cases, not showing enough interest in ensuring that the roads are built quickly and efficiently. This lack of attention frequently results in material waste, causing the project’s budget to be regularly exceeded.

Working Season Inconsistency and Difficult Terrain

Construction is frequently threatened in hilly places and areas with extreme weather conditions, which might result in material waste. Transportation of materials to such locations poses obstacles and incurs additional costs.

Construction Materials and Manpower Are in Short 

supply. Because of the waste that occurs in practically every project, it is unavoidable that construction materials will be scarce in some form or another. Furthermore, labour is no longer inexpensive.

Conclusion

With few leakages and the production of long-term assets, the PMGSY is undoubtedly one of the best-performing government programmes. The reason for its success, according to NC Saxena, former rural development secretary and federal planner, is its design. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is unquestionably a good strategy for infrastructure development in our country. Rural roads are critical for the social and economic development of those who live in rural areas.