Centre approves ₹7,396-crore scheme to strengthen panchayat governance through 2031

The Union government has cleared a ₹7,396-crore panchayat strengthening scheme set to run from 2026 to 2031, marking a significant push to enhance governance at the grassroots level. The PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana aims to build institutional capacity within village councils through comprehensive training and planning initiatives.

The scheme targets 32 lakh elected representatives across the country for skill development and training programmes designed to improve panchayat functioning and service delivery. The initiative also envisions preparation of detailed village development plans for approximately 2.55 lakh panchayats, providing a framework for localized growth and resource management.

Under the programme, selected villages will benefit from enhanced planning processes that integrate community needs with developmental priorities. The capacity-building component focuses on equipping panchayat leaders with technical knowledge and administrative skills necessary for effective local governance and implementation of welfare schemes.

The five-year roadmap reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the institutional foundation of India's decentralized governance structure. By investing in human resource development and strategic planning at the village level, the scheme aims to translate national development objectives into tangible ground-level outcomes.