In a major push to accelerate rural development, the Union Cabinet has approved an ambitious ₹1.2 lakh crore package to upgrade infrastructure in over 6,000 villages across India. The plan, announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, includes improvements in roads, sanitation, electricity, water supply, and digital connectivity.
The project, titled “Gramin Vikas 2030”, will be implemented in phases over the next five years, starting with backward districts in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
“This is not just about building roads or homes, but empowering every rural household with the facilities they deserve,” said Sitharaman during the press conference.
Key highlights of the plan include:
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Construction of 18,000 km of rural roads
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Installation of solar microgrids in 1,200 villages
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Rainwater harvesting systems in drought-prone regions
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Free Wi-Fi zones in village schools and panchayat offices
The government says the initiative will generate over 25 lakh rural jobs, directly and indirectly, in construction, logistics, and digital services sectors.
Experts welcomed the move, calling it a “game-changer for rural economy”, while some have raised concerns about transparency in fund allocation and implementation.
The Ministry of Rural Development will monitor the progress, with monthly updates expected to be published on a public dashboard starting June 2025.
