The Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY), or Parliamentarian’s Model Village Scheme, is a developmental initiative launched in 2014. It envisions Members of Parliament (MPs) taking the lead in transforming selected villages into model villages or “Adarsh Grams.” The core aim of SAGY is to trigger holistic rural development with a focus on social infrastructure, economic progress, and the fostering of community-led initiatives.
Key Objectives of SAGY
- Integrated Development: SAGY envisions an integrated approach to village development that addresses social, economic, environmental, and infrastructural needs.
- Focus on Local Potential: Emphasizes identifying and harnessing the unique strengths and resources of each village to drive sustainable development.
- People-Centric Approach: Encourages active participation of villagers in development planning, implementation, and monitoring.
- Social Mobilization: Stresses building strong community institutions and empowering marginalized groups.
- Inspiring Replication: The idea is that Adarsh Grams will serve as models for other villages, leading to wider impact.
How Does SAGY Work?
- MPs as Catalysts: Each MP is tasked with selecting one to three Gram Panchayats from their constituency (with some exceptions) to transform into Adarsh Grams.
- Village Development Plans (VDPs): MPs work with villagers to identify needs and aspirations, then formulate a detailed Village Development Plan outlining priorities and timelines.
- Implementation and Monitoring: Implementation is supported by government schemes and convergence of resources. District-level committees monitor progress and ensure accountability.
Success Stories and Case Studies
SAGY has facilitated positive transformations in several villages across India. Here are a few examples:
- Harisal, Maharashtra: Improved access to clean water, sanitation facilities, skill development programs, and solar energy solutions.
- Uttarpara-Kotrung, West Bengal: Focus on education, healthcare, livelihood development, and a unique “Village Parliament” for participatory governance.
- Punsari, Gujarat: Renovation of schools, improved agricultural practices, women’s empowerment initiatives, and a modern Panchayat Bhawan (village administrative center).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How are villages selected for SAGY? MPs have the freedom to select villages based on their assessment of development needs.
- What is the role of government in SAGY? The government supports SAGY villages by prioritizing existing schemes, converging resources, and providing technical assistance.
- How is SAGY different from other rural development programs? SAGY emphasizes MP leadership, community-driven development, and a holistic village transformation approach.
MCQs
- The primary goal of SAGY is to:
- A. Promote political campaigning
- B. Increase urban development
- C. Create model villages
- D. Construct national highways
- Which of these is a key feature of the SAGY approach?
- A. Discouraging community participation
- B. Top-down government planning
- C. Focus on a single development issue
- D. Prioritizing local needs and potential