Write short note: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a central government scheme to connect villages by all-weather roads.

• It was launched on 25 December 2000 by the government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Its aim was to connect every unconnected village with a population of 500 or more (250 or more in hilly, desert and tribal areas) by a good all-weather road.
• It was fully funded by the central government at the start; the roads are built and maintained by the states under set quality standards.
• Better roads helped farmers reach markets, and improved access to schools, hospitals and employment, speeding up rural development.