Parliament Question: Social Impact of Connectivity Projects

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO– 1402 ANSWERED ON- 28.07.2026 SOCIAL IMPACT OF CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS 1402. SHRI SURESH KUMAR SHETKAR: Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state: (a) whether environmental and social impacts of connectivity projects are being assessed, if so, the details thereof and safeguards implemented to ensure sustainable development; (b) whether the Government has evaluated economic benefits of improved Panchayat-city connectivity, if so, the findings thereof and the impact on employment, trade and rural development; (c) whether timelines have been fixed for completion of ongoing connectivity projects, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for delays affecting rural-urban integration; (d) whether grievance redressal mechanisms exist for issues related to connectivity projects, if so, the details thereof and the steps taken to ensure accountability and transparency; and (e) whether the Government proposes to launch new initiatives to strengthen Panchayat to city connectivity, if so, the details thereof including funding, scope and expected outcomes? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH) (a) and (b): No, Sir. Ministry of Panchyati Raj does not implement any connectivity projects including Panchayat-city connectivity. However, Ministry of Rural Development has informed that Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched as a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road for uplifting the socio- economic condition of the rural population. Subsequently, new interventions/ verticals namely PMGSY-II and PMGSY-III were added under the ambit of PMGSY for upgradation of the existing rural roads and for consolidation of through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations. Further, in September 2024 Government has launched PMGSY-IV with the aim to provide all-weather road connectivity to 25,000 1unconnected habitations of designated population size. New road projects are currently sanctioned under this scheme for the eligible habitations surveyed by the States and on submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the same. Ministry of Rural Development has further informed that various independent evaluation studies on PMGSY by NITI Aayog, World Bank etc. have concluded that rural roads constructed under PMGSY have improved access to education and health care facilities, facilitated employment generation in both farm and non-farm sectors, helped farmers in getting better farm prices, etc. through which there has been a rapid socio-economic transformation in rural areas. It has provided a long-term and sustained boost in the living standards of rural population living in the connected habitations. (c) and (d): Ministry of Rural Development has informed that in order to ensure progress in development outcomes, the Ministry is coordinating closely with the State Governments and providing the required assistance for early submission of DPRs. Department of Rural Development has organized Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan in the month of June 2026 in which PMGSY has been a topic of detailed discussion with States/UTs in the presence of all stakeholders. In addition, Regional Review Meetings and Monthly Meetings are also held routinely, so as to take stock of the progress and resolve any issues in the implementation process. (e) No, Sir. No new initiative is proposed by this Ministry to strengthen panchayat to city connectivity. *** 2