Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) is a village development venture under which every Member of Parliament (MP) is responsible to build up the physical and socio-economic infrastructure in three villages each by 2019. The plan expects to create a total of eight 'Adarsh Villages' or 'Model Villages' by 2024.

Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Objectives

• To work and chart progress which leads to the comprehensive development of the recognized Gram Panchayats.
• Improving the way of life and personal growth of all areas of the populace by improving the fundamental infrastructure, upgrading the human standard of living, making higher efficiency, giving better jobs, lessening differences and advancing social capital.
• Producing models of development at the local level
• To create good governance in Villages.
• To motivate nearby Village Panchayats to focus on their development.

Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Salient Features

• This yojana was launched by the Prime Minister of India on 11th October, 2014 on the birth anniversary of Jai Prakash Narayan.
• Under this Yojana, Members of Parliament (MPs) have the duty to build the economic and social infrastructure of three villages each by 2019, and a total of eight villages by 2024.
• One primary Adarsh Gram (Model Village) was to be created by 2016, and two more by 2019.
• From 2019 to 2024, five more Adarsh Grams would be created by every MP, one every year. This infers that a sum of 6,433 Adarsh Grams, of the 2,65,000 gram panchayats, will be made by 2024.
• Stakeholders:-
  • Gram Panchayat is the basic unit for advancement.
  • Lok Sabha MP picks a Gram Panchayat from inside his/her constituency.
  • Rajya Sabha MP picks Gram Panchayat from the rural area of the state from which he is elected.
  • Nominated MPs can pick a Gram Panchayat from any district in the nation.
• The MPs draw in with the network, encourage the Village Development Plan and mobilise necessary resources, especially from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and philanthropies.
• The District Collector does the planning processes.
• Funds from Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADs) reserves are used to fill up the critical gaps.

Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Benefits

This Yojana will improve the condition of Villages by focussing on the following ends, and making these changes.

• Receiving individuals' support as an end in itself – guaranteeing the association of all segments of society in all perspectives identified with the life of the town, particularly in areas identified with the administration processes.
• Holding fast to Antyodaya – empowering the "poorest and the most fragile and weak individual" in the area to accomplish prosperity
• Confirming gender equality and guaranteeing respect for ladies
• Ensuring social equity
• Imparting dignity of work and the soul of network administration and voluntarism
• Advancing a culture of cleanliness
• Living in consonance with nature – guaranteeing a harmony among improvement and environment
• protecting and advancing neighbourhood social legacy
• Teaching common participation, self-improvement and confidence
• Cultivating harmony and amiability in the village network
• Achieving straightforwardness, responsibility and fidelity in open life
• Supporting neighbourhood self-administration
• Adopting the qualities revered in the Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties of the Indian Constitution.

Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Implementation

• It will utilize the administration, limit, responsibility and energy of the Members of Parliament (MP) to create model Gram Panchayats
• It will be implemented by drawing in with and assembling the network for the participatory nearby levels events.
• It will combine distinctive government projects and private and intentional activities to accomplish advancement in line with individuals' goals and collective growth.
• Building associations with corporates, NGOs, and other co-agents and research establishments.

Saansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY): Current Status

• Only 1753 gram panchayats have been selected since the inception of the scheme across all the 4 phases.
• In Phase-1 of SAGY, 703 MPs adopted gram panchayats. In the next phase, this number declined to 497, and 301 in Phase-3.
• About two-thirds of Lok Sabha MPs haven't selected any Gram Panchayat by Phase-4 of the scheme.

Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana: Way Forward

• The vision behind the evolution of SAGY villages was to create model villages by ensuring convergence and dovetailing of schemes and its proper implementation on priority basis. However, the seriousness required to achieve the motto is lacking. MPs need to be more responsible towards the scheme.
• At the same time, the Ministry of Rural Development should ensure that the SAGY villages are dealt with the vision envisaged under the scheme and are not left behind.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which year was the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) launched?

A) 2012

B) 2014

C) 2016

D) 2018

2. Who is responsible for the implementation of the SAGY in a village?

A) Prime Minister

B) Chief Minister

C) Member of Parliament (MP)

D) District Collector

3. What is the main focus of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana?

A) Political empowerment

B) Urbanization of rural areas

C) Holistic rural development

D) Religious development

4. Which of the following is NOT an area of focus under SAGY?

A) Education

B) Health and sanitation

C) Urban development

D) Infrastructure development

5. What is the role of community participation in the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana?

A) None

B) Passive involvement in decision-making

C) Active involvement in planning and execution

D) Limited to voting in elections

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana in promoting rural development in India. What are its key challenges?

Answer: The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana is a vital initiative for rural development, aiming to create model villages through a participatory approach. Its significance lies in improving key sectors like education, sanitation, and healthcare. The MP-led model ensures that there is a direct link between governance and local development. However, challenges include the lack of infrastructure, inadequate funds, and the need for better coordination between various stakeholders such as local bodies, government agencies, and the community.

Q2: How does the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana ensure sustainable rural development? Discuss the role of infrastructure and community participation in this context.

Answer: The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana focuses on sustainable development by addressing both infrastructure and social needs. Infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, and sanitation, lays the foundation for long-term growth. Community participation ensures that development is not only top-down but also bottom-up, where local people are actively involved in the planning and execution of projects. This collaborative approach makes the development process more inclusive and sustainable in the long run.

Q3: Evaluate the role of MPs in the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. What challenges do they face in effectively implementing the scheme?

Answer: MPs play a central role in the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana by adopting villages and ensuring their development. They act as facilitators and ensure the smooth implementation of projects in various sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure. However, challenges faced by MPs include a lack of resources, insufficient local governance capacity, and the difficulty in ensuring active participation from the community. Political considerations and pressure from constituents can also hinder the effective implementation of the scheme.

Previous Year Questions on Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Analyze the objectives of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. How has it impacted rural development in India?

Answer: The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana aims to empower rural communities through holistic development in education, sanitation, healthcare, and infrastructure. While the scheme has seen success in some villages, challenges such as funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of community participation hinder its full potential. It has improved the quality of life in several villages, though its long-term success depends on better planning, coordination, and sustained effort from MPs and local communities.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: Discuss the role of community participation in the implementation of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. How does it contribute to the success of the program?

Answer: Community participation is critical for the success of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana as it ensures that local needs are met and that villagers take ownership of development projects. Involving the community in decision-making leads to better planning and execution of projects, thus enhancing their sustainability. This participatory approach strengthens the social fabric and helps achieve long-term development goals in rural areas.