New Delhi, (thestates.news) The 15th Finance Commission headed by Chairman N K Singh on Friday held a meeting with Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to garner the view of his Ministry on the general framework given by FC-XV in its report for 2020-21 on the maintenance of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads.
The MoRD submitted its memorandum to the Commission for the award period of 2020-21 to 2025-26, where they projected the requirement of Rs 82,946 crores ( for 5 years) for the duration of the Commission’s period of recommendation.
Post the global Pandemic of Covid-19, in the fourth tranche of Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus package, the Centre announced Rs 40,000 crore increase in allocation for MGNREGS to provide employment boost.
This, the Commission has held, will help generate nearly 300 crore person days in total. It will address need for more work including returning migrant workers in Monsoon season as well creation of larger number of durable and livelihood assets including water conservation assets. This will boost the rural economy through higher production.
The meeting also discussed the recent announcements made by the Government of India for rural development together with the proposal of the MoRD for maintenance of PMGSY roads for consideration of the FC-XV on the grants or performance incentives to be recommended for the States for the period 2021-26 within the provisions of the TOR of the Commission.
The Commission has considered the matter of rural connectivity through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in its report for the year 2020-21 and noted the criticality of assured fund flow for maintenance of the road assets created through this programme for the last 20 years.
In its report the Commission has noted that rural roads are recognised as catalysts to rural development and a significant element of poverty alleviation initiatives.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), till date, 5,50,528 km road length has been constructed and 89 per cent of all eligible habitations have been connected. This huge asset demands a recurring and predictable stream of funds for maintenance.
During the discussion with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Rural Development, it was told that the maintenance of PMGSY roads received low priority in the total resources earmarked for development works.uni (#mediasaheb.com)
