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Chhattisgarh CM meets Union Minister; PMGSY-IV cluster proposal for Bastar

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

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Why in news

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi to discuss improving road connectivity in the tribal-dominated Bastar region. The CM proposed modifying PMGSY-IV to consider a 10 km radius as a cluster, similar to the Arunachal Pradesh model, to cover scattered villages. The Union Minister assured serious consideration, highlighting the Centre's commitment to tribal area development.

Background

PMGSY-IV (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV) is a central scheme for rural road connectivity. Currently, a 500-meter habitation limit excludes many small, scattered villages in Bastar from getting roads. The Arunachal Pradesh model uses a 10 km cluster approach to include remote habitations.

Key facts

in5points

  1. Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

  2. CM proposed amending PMGSY-IV to treat a 10 km radius as one cluster, following the Arunachal Pradesh model.

  3. Current PMGSY-IV rules have a 500-meter habitation limit, leaving many small villages in Bastar without road connectivity.

  4. Union Minister assured positive consideration and said the Centre is working sensitively for remote and tribal areas.

  5. Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma also attended the meeting and briefed on rural development works.

  6. Union Minister praised Chhattisgarh's 'Viksit Bharat - Jee Ram Yojana' for construction of crematoriums and toilets.

  7. He also lauded the state's implementation of PM Awas Yojana, with about 1,500 houses constructed daily.

  8. The meeting focused on strengthening road connectivity in Bastar to improve access to education, health, and employment.

  9. Senior officials from both central and state governments were present.

Prelims pointers

  • PMGSY-IV: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (Phase IV) - rural road connectivity scheme.
  • Arunachal Pradesh model: 10 km cluster approach for road connectivity in remote areas.
  • Bastar: tribal region in Chhattisgarh, known for its dense forests and tribal population.
  • Ministry of Rural Development: handles PMGSY and other rural schemes.
  • Viksit Bharat - Jee Ram Yojana: Chhattisgarh scheme for crematorium and toilet construction.
  • PM Awas Yojana: housing scheme for rural and urban poor.
  • Meeting held at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • Release ID: 2292671 (PIB).

Mains angles

  • Discuss the importance of rural road connectivity in tribal areas for socio-economic development.
  • Critically examine the effectiveness of PMGSY in addressing the needs of remote and scattered habitations.
  • Analyze the Centre-State coordination in implementing rural development schemes, with reference to the Bastar proposal.