Strengthening Rural Connectivity through PMGSY and Scrap Recycling Policy

Overview of PMGSY

Strengthening Rural Connectivity through PMGSY and Scrap Recycling Policy: The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched in 2000 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to provide all-weather road connectivity to rural habitations. It has been implemented in multiple phases — PMGSY-I, II, III, and now PMGSY-IV (2024–2029).

Funding for the scheme is shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and States. The primary aim is to bridge rural–urban gaps, boost local economies, and ensure better access to health, education, and markets.

Static GK fact: PMGSY was initiated under the Ministry of Rural Development.

Steel Scrap Recycling Policy and Circular Economy

The Steel Scrap Recycling Policy (SSRP) was notified by the Ministry of Steel in 2019 to promote a circular economy through the 6Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Redesign, Remanufacture.

It promotes formal and scientific collection, dismantling, and processing of end-of-life products, ensuring the recovery of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The policy also emphasizes waste stream management from dismantling and shredding facilities.

Static GK fact: India is the second-largest producer of crude steel in the world.

Key Findings of the Standing Committee

The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj presented its report on PMGSY, highlighting several issues and suggesting reforms.

• Low bidding: Contractors often quote 25–30% below the minimum, raising quality concerns.
• Poor quality of materials: Many roads fail to withstand heavy traffic and weather.
• Project delays: Causes include land clearance issues, slow fund release, and poor coordination.
• Outdated survey data: PMGSY-IV relies on 2011 Census, potentially misrepresenting current needs.
• Incomplete connectivity: Roads sometimes end at the village periphery instead of the habitation center.

Committee Recommendations

• Introduce security deposits and quality checks to prevent low-bid compromises.
• Allow State Governments flexibility in road width and design norms based on local needs.
• Increase road thickness from 20mm to 30mm for heavy vehicle traffic.
• Streamline Centre–State approvals to reduce delays.
• Update surveys using current population figures or interim data.
• Prioritize road allocation to genuine beneficiaries in high-need areas.

Special Focus Areas

Road construction in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) areas faces additional challenges due to security risks, accessibility issues, and slower project execution. The Committee recommends targeted interventions in these regions to ensure timely completion.

Integration of SSRP principles into PMGSY could encourage sustainable construction practices, reducing environmental impact while improving resource efficiency.

Static GK Tip: The Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog) played a role in setting rural infrastructure targets in India’s Five-Year Plans.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Strengthening Rural Connectivity through PMGSY and Scrap Recycling Policy: