The Union Cabinet has cleared the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana to strengthen rural local self-government. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme running from 2026–27 to 2030–31 with a total outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore. Gram Panchayats will be supported through integrated planning, capacity building, digital governance, financial accountability and public participation. Annual targets are more than 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), 2.55 lakh online audit plans, and awareness drives that reach at least 1 crore citizens. The digital tools are eGramSwaraj (planning and accounting), PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot) and AuditOnline. About 32 lakh elected representatives, officials and other stakeholders will be covered, including traditional rural bodies in areas without regular Panchayats.
