Chhattisgarh CM meets Union Minister on Bastar road connectivity under PMGSY-IV
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi to discuss enhancing road connectivity in Bastar. The CM proposed amending PMGSY-IV to adopt the Arunachal Pradesh model of treating a 10 km periphery as one cluster, which could benefit remote tribal villages. The Union Minister assured serious consideration, highlighting the Centre's focus on tribal area development.
Background
PMGSY-IV is a central scheme for rural road connectivity. Currently, it uses a 500-meter habitation criterion, which excludes many small and scattered villages in Bastar from getting roads. The Arunachal Pradesh model allows a 10 km cluster, which is more suitable for hilly and sparsely populated areas.
Key facts
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi on 31 July 2026.
CM Sai proposed amending PMGSY-IV to consider a 10 km periphery as one cluster, following the Arunachal Pradesh model.
The current PMGSY-IV criterion of 500 meters leaves many small and scattered villages in Bastar without road connectivity.
The Union Minister assured positive consideration and said the Centre is working sensitively for remote and tribal areas.
Chhattisgarh Home Minister Vijay Sharma also attended the meeting and briefed on rural development works.
The Union Minister praised Chhattisgarh's progress under the Viksit Bharat - Jee Ram Ji Yojana, especially construction of 'Mukti Dham' and toilets.
He also lauded the state's implementation of PM Awas Yojana, with about 1,500 houses being constructed daily.
The meeting focused on strengthening road connectivity in Bastar to improve access to education, health, employment, and government schemes.
Prelims pointers
- PMGSY-IV: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase IV
- Arunachal Pradesh model: 10 km cluster for road connectivity
- Viksit Bharat - Jee Ram Ji Yojana
- PM Awas Yojana
- Bastar region in Chhattisgarh
- Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
- Union Ministry of Rural Development
- Central Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Chhattisgarh CM: Vishnu Deo Sai
- Date: 31 July 2026
Mains angles
- Discuss the importance of rural road connectivity in tribal areas for socio-economic development.
- Critically examine the PMGSY-IV criteria and suggest improvements for hilly and tribal regions.
- Analyze the role of centre-state coordination in implementing rural development schemes.
- Evaluate the impact of PM Awas Yojana and other rural schemes in Chhattisgarh.