Context:

Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) in Rayagada district.

Key Points:

• Along with the launch, the Union Minister announced major developmental initiatives for the state.
• Road Projects: Under PMGSY-IV, 827 road projects have been approved at a cost of ₹1,698.04 crore, covering a total length of about 1,701 km.
• Beneficiary Habitations: This initiative will connect 898 habitations in Odisha with all-weather pucca roads for the first time.
• Rayagada’s Contribution: The district has received the highest allocation, with 274 roads (552.21 km) to be constructed at a cost of ₹562.10 crore, benefiting 314 habitations.
• Additional Funds: The Minister also announced ₹147 crore for pending road works and released ₹868 crore as the first installment under MGNREGA.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV):

• Approval by Central Government: 2024
• Duration: FY 2024–25 to 2028–29
• Total Target: Construction of 62,500 km of new roads to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations
• Total Outlay: ₹70,125 crore (Centre: ₹49,087.50 crore; States: ₹21,037.50 crore)
• Funding Pattern: 60:40 for general states and 90:10 for Northeastern/Himalayan states
• Coverage:
• Plain Areas: 500+ population
• Northeastern/Hilly/Special Category (tribal, aspirational districts): 250+ population
• LWE-affected districts: 100+ population
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):
• Launched on: 25 December 2000 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Objectives of the Scheme:

To provide all-weather road connectivity to rural habitations

To promote economic, social, and educational development in rural areas

To improve access to markets, healthcare, education, and employment

To reduce rural–urban disparities

Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development

Funding Pattern:

• General States: 60:40 (Centre:State)

• Northeastern & Himalayan States: 90:10

• Union Territories without legislature: 100% funded by the Centre

PMGSY Phase II:

• Launched: 2013
• Objective: Strengthening and upgrading the existing rural road network to improve transport efficiency and boost rural economic growth

Road Connectivity Project for LWE Areas (2016):

• A special project launched in 2016 for Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected regions
• Covers 44 most affected districts across 9 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh)

PMGSY Phase III:

• Launched: 2019
• Objective: Upgradation of 1,25,000 km of through routes and major rural links
• Includes connectivity to Gramin Agricultural Markets, higher secondary schools, and healthcare facilities
• By December 2025, 1,22,393 km has been sanctioned, and 1,01,623 km (83%) has been completed across the country.