Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Urges Concerted Efforts to Build ‘Atmanirbhar Panchayats’ at National Workshop on People’s Plan Campaign, in New Delhi

Key Highlights:

• Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh urged for Atmanirbhar Panchayats and Viksit Panchayats at the National Workshop on People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2026-27.
• The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY), a governance transformation initiative aligned with Viksit Bharat.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj signed an MoU with Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) to establish Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations on Panchayat land.
• The Sixteenth Finance Commission recommended total grants of ₹4,35,236 Crore for Panchayati Raj Institutions for the award period 2026-31.
• PPC 2026-27, launched on October 2, 2026, places citizens at the center of the planning process for local development.

Detailed Insights:

• PM VGSY aims to create awareness about government schemes, promote grassroots deliberations, integrate central and state schemes, and build capacity of Panchayat representatives.
• The initiative emphasizes that the vision of Viksit Bharat can only be realized through Viksit Panchayats, which are financially self-reliant through Own Source Revenue (OSR).
• The PPC, running since 2018 with the theme "Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas," facilitates the preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and localization of Sustainable Development Goals.
• GPDPs are envisioned as comprehensive development plans based on people's needs and aspirations, not limited by available schemes, and must include an OSR component for performance grants.
• Panchayats play a central role in sustained delivery of drinking water and sanitation services, with effective utilization of tied grants and user charges for financial self-reliance.
• The MoU with CESL will generate new OSR opportunities for Panchayats by making Panchayat land a productive community asset for clean mobility infrastructure.
• This partnership aligns with the Model Panchayat Tax, Rates and Fees Rules (Model OSR Rules), promoting transparent and locally driven revenue mobilization.
• Technology-enabled integration of portals like eGramSwaraj and Samarth Panchayat Portal is crucial for evidence-based, outcome-oriented planning at the grassroots.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atmanirbhar Panchayats: Self-reliant local self-governing bodies capable of generating their own resources and driving local development.
• Viksit Panchayats: Developed local self-governing bodies contributing to the national vision of a developed India.
• People's Plan Campaign (PPC): A nationwide campaign promoting participatory planning at the grassroots level for preparing comprehensive development plans.
• Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP): An annual plan prepared by Gram Panchayats based on community needs, aspirations, and available resources.
• Own Source Revenue (OSR): Funds generated by Panchayats through local taxes, fees, and charges, essential for financial autonomy and eligibility for grants.
• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana (PM VGSY): A new government initiative aimed at transforming grassroots governance and empowering Panchayats for holistic development.