Consultation Held on Next Phase of RGSA

01 Aug 2025 CW Team

Workshop Charts Future Path for Panchayati Raj Reforms Under RGSA

The National Consultative Workshop on the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) was held today at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), and brought together senior officials from State and Union Territory Panchayati Raj Departments and State Institutes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs).

The objective of the day-long workshop was to refine the implementation strategy for RGSA and contribute to the framework for its proposed next phase beginning 2026.

In his keynote address, Shri Bharadwaj emphasised the need to incorporate ground-level insights from stakeholders to enhance the upcoming version of RGSA. He highlighted the constitutional status of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as units of local self-government and called for their deeper involvement in governance, planning, and decision-making processes. He urged participants to share field-based feedback, noting that Panchayats must not be seen only as scheme implementers, but as equal partners in India’s democratic structure.

Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, MoPR, noted that the current phase of RGSA is concluding in 2025 and that the workshop aimed to build consensus on the roadmap ahead. He said that the revamped version of RGSA had played a vital role in strengthening Panchayats across the country through capacity building, customised training, and digital tools. He cited achievements such as the integration of the entire “Planning to Payment” process via the eGramSwaraj Portal, which has enhanced transparency, accountability, and financial discipline. He also highlighted the Panchayat Advancement Index as a valuable tool for identifying local development gaps and promoting data-driven improvements.

The workshop featured a detailed presentation on the progress of the revamped RGSA, showcasing its evolution into a holistic initiative focused on capacity building, digital enablement, infrastructure, and innovation. A technical session outlined the scheme’s cost norms and funding structure.

Participants engaged in focused group discussions around five key components: Capacity Building & Training, Institutional Mechanisms, Panchayat Infrastructure, PESA implementation, and Special Components. These sessions encouraged states to share best practices, challenges, and policy suggestions for enhancing rural governance and enabling economic development at the grassroots level.

The insights and recommendations from the workshop will directly feed into the formulation of the next phase of RGSA, aimed at building more efficient, accountable, and development-oriented Panchayati Raj Institutions in line with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Workshop Charts Future Path for Panchayati Raj Reforms Under RGSAThe National Consultative Workshop on the revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) was held today at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), and brought together senior officials from State and Union Territory Panchayati Raj Departments and State Institutes of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs).The objective of the day-long workshop was to refine the implementation strategy for RGSA and contribute to the framework for its proposed next phase beginning 2026.In his keynote address, Shri Bharadwaj emphasised the need to incorporate ground-level insights from stakeholders to enhance the upcoming version of RGSA. He highlighted the constitutional status of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as units of local self-government and called for their deeper involvement in governance, planning, and decision-making processes. He urged participants to share field-based feedback, noting that Panchayats must not be seen only as scheme implementers, but as equal partners in India’s democratic structure.Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, MoPR, noted that the current phase of RGSA is concluding in 2025 and that the workshop aimed to build consensus on the roadmap ahead. He said that the revamped version of RGSA had played a vital role in strengthening Panchayats across the country through capacity building, customised training, and digital tools. He cited achievements such as the integration of the entire “Planning to Payment” process via the eGramSwaraj Portal, which has enhanced transparency, accountability, and financial discipline. He also highlighted the Panchayat Advancement Index as a valuable tool for identifying local development gaps and promoting data-driven improvements.The workshop featured a detailed presentation on the progress of the revamped RGSA, showcasing its evolution into a holistic initiative focused on capacity building, digital enablement, infrastructure, and innovation. A technical session outlined the scheme’s cost norms and funding structure.Participants engaged in focused group discussions around five key components: Capacity Building & Training, Institutional Mechanisms, Panchayat Infrastructure, PESA implementation, and Special Components. These sessions encouraged states to share best practices, challenges, and policy suggestions for enhancing rural governance and enabling economic development at the grassroots level.The insights and recommendations from the workshop will directly feed into the formulation of the next phase of RGSA, aimed at building more efficient, accountable, and development-oriented Panchayati Raj Institutions in line with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..