Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

• Context (IE): The MoRD has mandated the use of QR codes on roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to enhance rural road maintenance.
• QR codes will be positioned on the maintenance boards for each road. Citizens can submit geo-tagged images of road issues. Feedback is incorporated into the Performance evaluation scoring.

About Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

• Launched in 2000. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
• Objective: Provide all-weather connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
• Eligibility: Habitats with population ≥500 (plains), ≥250 (hills/North Eastern/tribal), ≥100 (LWE-affected areas).
• Funding Pattern:
  • Initial phase: 100% central funding.
  • Since 2015–16: 60:40 (Centre: State); 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan states.

Implementation and Governance

• Implementation: National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) provides technical support and maintains platforms like eMARG.
  • Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) handle planning and operations at state level.
• Fund management: District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs) manage district-level finances.
• Contractor’s obligation: The contractor must upkeep the roads for 5 years following construction.
• Independent audits: National Level Monitors (NLMs) conduct quality checks.
• Monitoring: Progress is tracked using eMARG, a mobile-cum-web platform for submitting maintenance bills and verifying road quality via geo-tagged photos.

Phases of PMGSY

• Phase I (2000–2022): Covered 1.35 lakh habitations with 3.68 lakh km of all-weather roads.
• Phase II (2013–2022): Upgraded 50,000 km of rural roads; included RCPLWEA for LWE districts.
• Phase III (2019–2025): Upgrading 1.25 lakh km to connect markets, schools, and hospitals.
• Phase IV (2024–2029): Targeting 62,500 km and 25,000 habitations using cold mix and waste plastic, creating 40 crore workdays.