Analysis Of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana 2014

Policy Update
Shivashish Narayan

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on October 11, 2014 aims to redefine rural development by fostering good politics and inspiring a movement towards demand-driven development. Unveiled on the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan the scheme seeks to create model villages (Adarsh Grams) through people’s participation with MPs. Breaking away from traditional supply-oriented development SAGY promotes a demand-driven and society-inspired approach aligning with the vision of Mahatma Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj.

The scheme encourages holistic progress, integrating government resources and inspiring villagers to take ownership of their future. By emphasizing collaboration and removing bottlenecks in existing schemes SAGY aspires to create villages showcasing self-reliance, national pride and sustainable growth. The initiative calls on MPs to develop one village by 2016, two more by 2019 and additional villages thereafter fostering an impact on rural development.

By empowering local communities and addressing development challenges flexibly SAGY envisions Adarsh Grams as benchmarks of progress and places of learning for those passionate about transforming rural India. SAGY aligns seamlessly with recent rural development initiatives by focusing on convergence and sustainability, crucial for addressing contemporary challenges in rural India. SAGY emphasises holistic progress and self-reliance by integrating existing government schemes and leveraging community participation. This approach resonates with the global shift towards localised and participatory development, enabling better responses to critical challenges like infrastructure deficits, economic disparity and social inclusion.

Functioning

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) envisions the transformation of Gram Panchayats into model communities through the convergence of existing government schemes and the mobilization of resources from private and community sectors. This innovative approach eliminates the need for additional funds focusing instead on optimizing and prioritizing resources within existing frameworks for effective rural development.

A key feature of SAGY is its institutional framework which ensures systematic implementation. The District Collector appoints a Charge Officer to oversee the development activities in selected Gram Panchayats. Progress is monitored through monthly review meetings chaired by the concerned Member of Parliament (MP) fostering coordinated efforts between district officials and various line departments. The SAGY guidelines clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders creating a structured approach to planning and execution.

To maximize the scheme’s impact several measures have been introduced including amendments to 26 schemes across 17 Ministries prioritizing SAGY villages. Comprehensive reference documents by the Ministry of Rural Development list 127 central and 1,806 state-level schemes eligible for convergence aiding MPs, administrators and village leaders in resource planning. Additionally, the ‘SAHYOG’ document provides critical information on social security schemes, ensuring maximum beneficiary enrollment.

Monitoring mechanisms are integral to SAGY’s framework. Regular reviews by the Hon’ble Minister of Rural Development and performance committees assess progress while national-level monitoring teams evaluate efficiency. Dynamic ranking parameters on the SAGY portal foster competition among Gram Panchayats to achieve higher standards. Training on Village Development Plan (VDP) preparation and convergence strategies are provided to In Charge Officers and stakeholders. While orientation programs for MPs’ representatives ensure alignment with district administrations.

SAGY also emphasizes partnerships with private entities and voluntary organizations. CSR initiatives such as conclaves organized with the Transforming Rural India Foundation mobilize corporate funding. Campaigns like the Achhi Aadat Campaign promote hygiene and community well-being reinforcing SAGY’s holistic approach to rural development. It demonstrates impactful convergence of government schemes, community efforts and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to drive sustainable rural development.

In Laderwan village (J&K) linking farmers with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) enabled access to agro-advisories, enhancing productivity. In Maravamangalam (Tamil Nadu) coir, leather and coconut-based training programs empowered over 250 individuals, fostering entrepreneurship. Similarly, Bangurda (Jharkhand) saw targeted health camps addressing anemia and hygiene challenges among adolescent girls. CSR initiatives through conclaves in partnership with Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF) mobilized resources for infrastructure and skill development. These success stories highlight SAGY’s holistic approach, blending innovation with inclusivity, creating replicable models of rural progress and addressing socio-economic challenges at grassroots levels.

Objectives

The primary objective of SAGY is to create villages that not only provide modern amenities and infrastructure but also enhance the standard of living, promote social capital and foster community spirit. The scheme focuses on empowering villagers to actively participate in the development process allowing them to make decisions set targets and shape their future.

SAGY adopts a holistic approach to village development addressing key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, sanitation, livelihoods, governance and the environment. Beyond improving physical infrastructure the scheme aims to foster human development, economic opportunities, social justice and environmental sustainability. Ensuring access to basic amenities like houses, drinking water, sanitation, electricity and roads is a core goal improving the quality of life and promoting economic and social growth.

A significant aspect of SAGY is the development of model villages or Adarsh Grams which serve as exemplary models for other communities. These villages demonstrate the impact of community-driven development and inspire other regions to replicate similar transformations. Members of Parliament (MPs) play a central role in guiding these development efforts, mobilizing communities, securing resources and monitoring progress.

To ensure effective implementation, SAGY emphasizes convergence and coordination among government ministries and departments as well as leveraging technology and innovation in areas like agriculture and infrastructure. The scheme also prioritizes sustainability through community ownership ensuring the long-term success of the initiatives. A robust monitoring and evaluation system helps track progress and ensure accountability.

Overall, SAGY is a visionary initiative that seeks to drive inclusive and sustainable rural development across India. Under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) communities across India have undertaken transformative initiatives that embody the scheme’s participatory ethos. For example in Daulatgarh, Rajasthan proactive leadership led to enhanced infrastructure, including sanitation and education facilities. Similarly in Takhel Panchayat, Manipur public-private collaborations improved community amenities. Villages like Arood in Madhya Pradesh saw the establishment of self-help groups empowering women through skill development. While Kallikkad in Kerala implemented effective waste management practices to support local agriculture. Campaigns like Achhi Aadat further promote hygienic behaviors, showcasing how SAGY fosters self-reliant, sustainable and community-led rural development.

Funding of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana does not involve new fund allocations. Instead resources are mobilized through a combination of existing schemes and funds including:

Funds from Existing Government Schemes: These include schemes such as the Indira Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Backward Regions Grant Fund.
Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS): MPs may use MPLADS funds to support development activities in selected villages.
Village Revenue: The Gram Panchayat’s revenue is also used to finance developmental activities within the village.
Central and State Finance Commission Grants: Financial support can be accessed through grants provided by both the central and state finance commissions.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds: Corporations are encouraged to contribute through CSR initiatives helping to fund various development activities in the selected villages.

Performance

As of February 2024, a total of 3,407 Gram Panchayats (GPs) across India have been adopted under the scheme. Uttar Pradesh (552), Tamil Nadu (370) and Maharashtra (260) are the leading states in terms of the number of GPs adopted. The adoption process has seen substantial participation from MPs, with 2,984 GPs having uploaded their Village Development Plans (VDPs) outlining 2,57,486 projects. Out of these, 2,11,568 projects have been completed with the remainder under various stages of development.

A key feature of SAGY is its reliance on convergence utilizing existing schemes from 17 ministries. This approach has facilitated the development of essential infrastructure including sanitation, roads, drinking water supply and electrification in many villages. The introduction of tools like the ‘MP Dashboard’ has improved transparency and accountability allowing MPs and local officials to monitor progress. Capacity-building initiatives such as training for district officials and stakeholders have been critical in strengthening the scheme’s execution.

Despite this success, the scheme’s performance has varied across regions. States like Rajasthan and Kerala have shown consistent progress while others like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have had more mixed results. The success of the scheme has largely depended on the active involvement of MPs with villages seeing better outcomes where MPs allocated substantial resources from their MPLAD funds and directly engaged with the community. For instance, Daulatgarh in Rajasthan where the MP’s proactive engagement led to significant development contrasts with regions where such participation has been minimal.

Phase V of SAGY, however indicated a slowdown in momentum with only seven GPs adopted during this phase suggesting that the initial enthusiasm for the scheme may have diminished in some regions. The absence of a dedicated budget for SAGY relying instead on the convergence of existing government schemes has been a recurring challenge, limiting the scope and scale of development in some adopted villages.

Impact

The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) has achieved varying degrees of success in improving infrastructure and welfare across rural India. While it has brought significant benefits to some adopted villages its overall impact has been inconsistent, hindered by numerous challenges.

Independent assessments including the Fifth Common Review Mission (CRM) conducted in 2019 revealed significant gaps in implementation. The CRM’s evaluation of 120 villages across eight states found that many SAGY villages had not undergone the anticipated transformation. A lack of sufficient funds from MPs’ MPLAD schemes contributed to stalled or incomplete projects. For instance, Arood village in Madhya Pradesh completed only 60% of planned activities and Kallikkad village in Kerala saw minimal improvements despite its inclusion in the scheme. Inadequate infrastructure such as the Neyyardam PHC in Kerala, was noted as a missed opportunity under SAGY.

The scheme has also struggled with limited awareness and engagement at the grassroots level. In some villages such as Nongbah Myrdon in Meghalaya the SAGY concept had not reached local officials or communities. Similarly, Baudai village in Uttar Pradesh failed to meet basic milestones like achieving open defecation-free status despite its designation as an “Adarsh Gram.”

One notable success story is that of Rampura Village in Gujarat. Located 16 kilometers from the district headquarters in Nadiad, Rampura has a population of approximately 2,300 residents across 550 families. Under SAGY, the village has undergone significant transformations including enhanced infrastructure and community development initiatives. These efforts have led to improved living standards and have positioned Rampura as a model for neighboring villages.

Similarly in Haryana’s Adampur region the local community has made strides in healthcare. Dr. Subhash Chandra an MP took the initiative to renovate and equip the Adampur Civil Hospital and four primary health centers. This personal effort combined with the active involvement of health workers has significantly improved healthcare services ensuring better access to medical care for the community. In Takhel Panchayat, Manipur, the development of public facilities demonstrated tangible progress while Daulatgarh in Rajasthan benefited from significant infrastructure improvements due to proactive political engagement.

Despite completing over 2.29 lakh projects under Village Development Plans (VDPs) by 2024 disparities in success rates persist. States like Gujarat and West Bengal achieved 100% project completion while Odisha lagged at 72.86%. This variability underscores the importance of addressing challenges such as funding shortages, inconsistent community participation and political and administrative bottlenecks to enhance the scheme’s overall effectiveness. The impact analysis is thorough but leans more towards highlighting challenges than successes.

Emerging Issues

Despite its ambitious vision and initial enthusiasm the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) faces a range of emerging issues that are impeding its ability to realize its full potential. These challenges need to be addressed to ensure the scheme achieves its transformative impact on rural India.

One critical issue is inconsistent implementation across regions. While some states, like Gujarat and West Bengal, have achieved impressive completion rates of 100%, others lag. Odisha, for example, has completed only 72.86% of its projects. This regional disparity highlights the need for tailored strategies that address specific local challenges ensuring that the benefits of SAGY are distributed more evenly. Financial constraints also significantly hinder progress. The scheme’s reliance on existing government programs and MPLAD funds, without a dedicated budget, limits its scalability. Many MPs have not allocated sufficient funds to their adopted villages resulting in stalled projects. For instance, Arood village in Madhya Pradesh has completed only 60% of its planned activities due to a lack of funding.

Political and administrative bottlenecks further exacerbate delays. Jurisdictional confusion and local authority infighting have stalled development in areas like Chauhan Patti (Delhi). Similarly, in Baudai (Uttar Pradesh), administrative hurdles have prevented timely progress, frustrating residents. Another challenge is inconsistent community engagement. While SAGY aims to empower villagers many local communities report feeling excluded from the planning process. This lack of participation undermines the scheme’s objectives and hampers the sustainability of improvements.

Finally, the slow pace of village adoption reflects waning momentum. As of 2024, only 1,921 gram panchayats have been adopted with just seven villages selected in the latest phase. This decline in engagement underscores the need for stronger incentives for MPs and streamlined administrative processes to rejuvenate the program.

Way Forward

To address the challenges of the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) and enhance its effectiveness several strategic measures are necessary. Establishing a dedicated funding mechanism is crucial. Currently, SAGY relies on MPLAD funds and existing government schemes which often prove insufficient. Allocating a specific budget for SAGY such as a “SAGY Development Fund,” would ensure MPs have the necessary resources to implement comprehensive development plans in adopted villages. Strengthening political coordination across government levels is equally important. MPs should be empowered to work more effectively with local and state authorities to resolve administrative bottlenecks. Clear guidelines outlining stakeholder responsibilities and regular coordination meetings would streamline efforts and minimize delays.

Community engagement is central to SAGY’s success. Local populations should play an active role in planning and implementing development projects. This can be achieved through regular consultations and workshops to prioritize community needs. Village-level committees should be involved in maintaining and managing infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability. Improving monitoring and evaluation systems is also critical. Real-time tracking tools and periodic independent assessments can help identify issues promptly and provide actionable feedback to stakeholders.

Transparent and robust evaluation frameworks would enhance accountability and ensure that projects meet high-quality standards. The integration of innovation and technology offers significant potential. Digital platforms modern agricultural tools and innovative infrastructure solutions can improve service delivery and efficiency. Partnerships with technology firms and research institutions can help modernize rural development efforts. Finally, leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and strengthening public-private partnerships will address resource gaps. Regular CSR conclaves can attract funding and expertise ensuring the sustainability and impact of development projects under SAGY.

References

About SAGY
PM launches Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
Operational Guidelines for Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
Key highlights of the recently launched Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
https://ruraldev.gujarat.gov.in/ViewFile?fileName=HJrDhWr9qiE5Ftw3sNdPVRXBp8scQbvOw96RlyW5nVcUj2zyihzUBezJdNRSx57kfqqWWnxJ06CmmbnmTDbcui%E2%9C%A4RelTZ%E2%9C%A41MTHi7rb6bmabjUF%E2%9C%A414cW7yTzs36wa%E2%9C%A4XgGUSeFHYOEd7YnzZlehEPh40g%E2%99%AC%E2%99%AC
Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)
Summary Report of Gram Panchayats for Saanjhi (Phase I)
Modi promised India model villages. It is now a blot for us, say Adarsh gram voters
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1947032&reg=3&lang=1
Committee to assess Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana
https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2974837/1/AU601.pdf
Parliament Library and Reference, Research, Documentation and Information Service (Larrdis) Reference Division; No./ RN/Ref/JANUARY/2022; January 2022; The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY)
It’s official: Not enough MPs are adopting model village scheme | India News – The Indian Express
10 years since launch, how has the Centre’s ‘adopt a village’ scheme fared in Delhi?
Model village scheme hit by lack of interest, funds: ministry study | India News – The Indian Express
Centre assesses Adarsh Gram scheme, seven in Odisha under review ambit

Acknowledgement: Shivashish Narayan is an Intern at IMPRI. He is a law graduate from Indore Institute of Law.

Acknowledgment: The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Arjun Kumar, Ms Aasthaba Jadeja, Riya Rawat and Avi Sharma for their invaluable contributions into this article.