Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III)
Why in news?
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) is in the news because the Union Cabinet has approved its continuation beyond March 2025 up to March 2028, with a revised outlay of Rs. 83,977 crores.
Core Objective
- Consolidation: Unlike Phase I (new connectivity), Phase III focuses on consolidating existing Through Routes and Major Rural Links.
- Strategic Links: Priority is given to roads connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals.
Targets & Implementation
- Road Length: A total target of 1,25,000 km of road length across India.
- Launch Year: Originally launched in 2019 for a period of five years.
- Selection Method: Uses a "Trace Map" algorithm and GIS (Geographic Information System) to identify roads with high traffic potential and socio-economic importance.
Funding Pattern
The scheme follows a shared funding model between the Centre and States:
- General States: 60% (Centre): 40% (State).
- NE & Himalayan States: 90% (Centre): 10% (State) — covers 8 NE states and 3 Himalayan states (J&K, HP, Uttarakhand).
- Maintenance: State Governments are responsible for the post-construction maintenance for the first five years and beyond.
Quality & Tech Innovations
- Three-Tier Monitoring: Quality is ensured via field checks, State Quality Monitors (SQM), and National Quality Monitors (NQM).
- Green Technology: Encourages the use of waste plastic, cold mix technology, and Fly Ash to build climate-resilient roads.
- OMMAS Portal: Real-time tracking of physical and financial progress through the Online Management, Monitoring, and Accounting System.
Benefits to Rural India
- Market Access: Reduces transportation time and costs for agricultural products.
- Education: Leads to a 10% increase in school enrolment for girls due to safer, all-weather access.
- Healthcare: Improves ambulance access and encourages institutional deliveries in government hospitals.
- Employment: Generates direct jobs in construction and indirect jobs by boosting rural enterprises.
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