Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana(SAGY) is one of the programmes inspired by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and his vision for Gram Swaraj. The programme emphasizes inspiring values of national pride, patriotism, unity, self confidence in the villagers and solicits participation of people for making their village an Adarsh Gram. The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) converges resources available from a range of existing Central Sector, Centrally Sponsored and State Schemes to achieve the programme objectives and as such, no additional funding is deemed necessary. The Gram Panchayats under the guidance of Hon’ble MPs follow a structured process of environment-creation, social-mobilisation, situation analysis, participatory development planning, resource-mapping and execution.

Entry Point Activities

Before the formal plan formulation starts, there has to be environment creation and social mobilisation spearheaded by the MP himself/herself fully involving the Local Self Government. The activities would result in developing a broad collective vision of what the village should be like and will kindle the enthusiasm of the villagers.

Situation Analysis

The situation analysis broadly identifies the local needs, key constraints and available resources in relation to the socio economic dynamics, availability of amenities, services and fulfillment of rights and entitlements of villagers etc. The purpose is to identify details of the existing scenario in different areas of development so that improvements could be suitably bench-marked to this. Secondly, basic data on the deficiencies and gaps in infrastructure, amenities and services as well as the potential for future economic and human development is collated. The recent Mission Antyodaya survey provides comprehensive data on baseline status, comparative ranking and gap analysis of all the Gram Panchayats and can work as a basis for preparation of plans.

Formulation of Village Development Plan and approval

First of all, a working group is to be set up by the District Collector consisting of officials and outside professionals/ experts to draw up the draft village development plan on the basis of the needs prioritized by the people. The Village Development Plan would broadly cover activities from the eight sectors listed in SAGY Guideline viz. Personal Development, Human Development, Social Development, Economic Development, Environmental Development, Basic Amenities and Infrastructure, Social Security and Good Governance. As SAGY Gram Panchayats are to achieve holistic progress, equal importance to be accorded to non-infrastructure initiatives. The VDP in SAGY is to be prepared in a Participatory mode and care may be taken to ensure participation of socio-economic disadvantaged groups, women SHG members, youth groups, PRI members, civil society organisations working in the area etc.

Approval of the Village Development Plan

The Village Development Plan is to be moved for approval only after obtaining the Consent of Member of Parliament. The comments / suggestions of the MP are to be incorporated in the VDP. The VDP is to be approved at two levels, first at the Gram Sabha and then at the District Level Committee chaired by the District Collector. The Activities approved by the Gram Sabha need to be projectized and placed before the District Level Committee for approval.

Execution of the Projects

SAGY Gram Panchayats have to execute the projects proposed under VDP through convergence of all Central & State Schemes and partnership with Private, Voluntary and Cooperative (PVC) sectors and also from villagers’ own contribution. The PVC may be used for Planning, Technical / Financial Support and Documentation.