2.42 Lakh Special Gram Sabhas Held Nationwide on Gandhi Jayanti to Launch 'Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas' Campaign

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, special Gram Sabhas were organized on a large scale across the country. More than 2.42 lakh special Gram Sabhas were conducted through the GPDP and Panchayat Decision portals, featuring active participation from local residents, elected representatives, and panchayat officials. This occasion marked the launch of the Jan Yojana Abhiyan 2026-27, titled “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas,” through which panchayats will prepare their development plans for the financial year 2027-28.

These Gram Sabhas involved discussions on major schemes from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Department of Rural Development, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Consumer Affairs, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, and the Department of Land Resources. Key topics of deliberation included the transfer of Central Finance Commission grants, financial self-reliance, secure assets and land rights, employment, safe drinking water, sanitation, food security, and the economic empowerment of women.

Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, reviewed the progress of these assemblies in coordination with officials from various States and Union Territories. This campaign is being implemented with the collaboration of 21 ministries and departments of the Government of India.

During the special Gram Sabhas, achievements from various departments were shared. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj stated that the 16th Finance Commission has recommended ₹4,35,236 crore for rural bodies for the period 2026-31. Additionally, under the SVAMITVA scheme, 3.33 crore property cards have been prepared for 2.06 lakh villages.

The Department of Rural Development shared that under the 'Viksit Bharat Guarantee Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural),' wage employment of 125 days per year is being ensured for eligible families. According to the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission have increased from 3.23 crore households to over 16 crore.

In the field of water security, more than 1.55 crore artificial water recharge structures have been created through the 'Catch the Rain' program. Regarding food security, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana has been extended until 2028, providing free food grains to 81.35 crore beneficiaries. The Department of Land Resources reported that the digitization of 99.90 percent of records of rights has been completed.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Home Affairs raised awareness regarding the new criminal laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. The Ministry of Women and Child Development promoted a 'Child Marriage Free India,' while the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment raised awareness about the 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' among rural citizens.