The Central Government is set to launch the ‘Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas’ (Everyone’s Plan, Everyone’s Development) campaign on October 2. Special Gram Sabhas will be organised across the country on this day, featuring detailed discussions on rural development, local governance, and the implementation of government schemes.
Objective of Gram Sabhas: Shaping a development roadmap through participation
According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the primary objective of these special Gram Sabhas is to improve the quality of life in rural India and strengthen local governance. The ‘Jan Yojana Abhiyan’ (People’s Plan Campaign) for 2026-27 will also be launched on this occasion.
Gram Panchayats will prepare their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for the 2027-28 financial year through participatory and evidence-based planning. Citizens and public representatives will sit together to assess the village’s achievements and shortcomings based on the Panchayat Development Index, enabling the determination of development priorities for the coming year.
Which schemes will be reviewed?
Key welfare and infrastructure schemes from various Central Government ministries will be reviewed during these special Gram Sabhas. These include:
Ministry of Panchayati Raj: Finance Commission grants, Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), e-Gram Swaraj, Audit Online, SVAMITVA Scheme, own-source revenue, and Panchayat Unnati Index.
Department of Rural Development: 125 days of statutory wage employment guarantee and livelihood enhancement schemes under the Viksit Bharat-Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural).
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation: Jal Jeevan Mission (tap connection to every household) and ODF Plus status & waste management under Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).
Department of Water Resources: Groundwater recharge, water conservation, and water security under the ‘Jal Sanchay Janbhagidari’ initiative.
Department of Food and Public Distribution: ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
Department of Consumer Affairs: Consumer rights awareness through the National Consumer Helpline and e-Jagriti portal.
Department of Land Resources: Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) and PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
Focus on New Laws and Social Issues
These meetings will raise awareness about the new criminal laws—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Additionally, discussions will be held on initiatives related to a child-marriage-free India, the drug-free India campaign, and the safety of women and children.
Conclusion of ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ and Appeal
On the occasion of the formal conclusion of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva 2026’ fortnight, special emphasis will be placed on the effective compliance of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has appealed to all citizens to actively participate in the special Gram Sabhas on October 2nd, so that plans tailored to local needs can be formulated and the goal of a ‘Self-reliant and Developed Panchayat’ (Atmanirbhar and Viksit Panchayat) can be achieved.
