Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) is a scheme launched in October 2014 where each Member of Parliament (MP) adopts one village and helps develop it into a model village (Adarsh Gram) by 2016. Thereafter, each MP was asked to develop two more villages by 2019 and five by 2024. The idea is to transform villages into socially and economically developed communities.
What Is Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana?
SAGY is unique because it gives personal responsibility to elected representatives to facilitate development of specific villages. Each MP selects a village (with a population of 3,000 to 5,000) in their constituency and coordinates the convergence of existing government schemes to address its development needs.
The programme goes beyond just building physical infrastructure; it aims to create inclusive, self-reliant communities with good governance, education, health, and livelihood outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
Development of an Adarsh Gram covers:
– **Social development**: gender equality, education, health services, sanitation, social harmony
– **Economic development**: livelihood opportunities, skill training, credit access, micro-enterprise support
– **Basic amenities**: drinking water, roads, housing, electricity, digital connectivity
– **Governance**: active village panchayats, grievance redressal, transparency in scheme delivery
How It Works
1. The MP identifies and adopts a village
2. A Village Development Plan is prepared based on the village’s needs and aspirations
3. Existing government schemes are converged and channelled to address identified gaps
4. The MP monitors progress and facilitates resolution of bottlenecks
5. Local institutions (panchayat, SHGs, youth groups) are engaged
SAGY does not have a dedicated fund. It depends on convergence of MGNREGS, PMGSY, Swachh Bharat Mission, health schemes, and other central and state programmes.
Practical Example
An MP adopts a village that lacks proper roads, has low school enrolment, and has no community centre. Under SAGY, the MP coordinates PMGSY funds for road construction, works with state education officials to improve the local school, and uses MGNREGS to build a community hall. Within 3 years, the village’s literacy rate improves and road connectivity brings farmers to markets more efficiently.
Key Takeaways
– SAGY requires MPs to adopt villages and guide their development through existing scheme convergence
– There is no dedicated fund; SAGY is a coordinating mechanism that channels other schemes
– Focus is on holistic development: social, economic, and governance improvements
– Each MP was expected to develop 5 model villages by 2024
– Success depends heavily on the engagement and initiative of individual MPs
