Special Gram Sabhas across the country will assemble on 2nd October 2026 to discuss transformative governance reforms and initiatives that are strengthening Panchayats, improving public services and enhancing the quality of life in rural India. These special Gram Sabhas will also mark the launch of the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2026-27, “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas”, under which Gram Panchayats will prepare their Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) for Financial Year 2027-28 through participatory and evidence-based planning. The Gram Sabha discussions will bring together citizens and local representatives to review the benefits and implementation of key Government schemes and initiatives, identify local needs and gaps and deliberate on priorities for the development of their villages.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with participating Ministries and Departments, Government of India is facilitating these discussions as part of a Whole-of-Government approach to grassroots development. The following schemes and initiatives will be highlighted during the Special Gram Sabhas:

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj: Strengthening Panchayats through Finance Commission grants, capacity building under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan, digital governance through eGramSwaraj and AuditOnline, Own Source Revenue (OSR) initiatives, SVAMITVA and the Panchayat Advancement Index.
• Department of Rural Development: The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), providing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment, along with the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan for locally determined works and livelihoods.
• Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation: Jal Jeevan Mission for rural household tap water connections and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) for sanitation, ODF Plus and solid and liquid waste management.
• Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation: Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain and revised watershed development norms to strengthen groundwater recharge, water conservation and water security.
• Department of Food and Public Distribution: One Nation One Ration Card for portability of foodgrain entitlements and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana for continued food security.
• Department of Consumer Affairs: National Consumer Helpline and e-Jagriti to strengthen consumer awareness, grievance redressal and access to consumer justice.
• Department of Land Resources: The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP) for digitised and accessible land records, supporting secure property rights and easier access to credit and watershed development under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

The People’s Plan Campaign has been implemented across States and Union Territories since 2018, enabling Panchayats to prepare holistic, inclusive and participatory development plans. More than 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats prepare and upload their plans on eGramSwaraj. The Panchayat Advancement Index enables Panchayats to identify achievements and gaps across key areas of local development, providing a basis for the Gram Sabha to identify priorities and take a Sankalp for the year ahead. The Gram Sabha provides citizens with a direct platform to share their experiences, feedback and suggestions on these schemes and initiatives, and to help determine local priorities. Discussions will also promote awareness of the new criminal laws, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, digital transformation and strengthening of cooperatives, and initiatives for the protection and dignity of women and children, including Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. As Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 culminates, the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 will also be discussed in the Gram Sabhas on 2nd October.

Citizens are earnestly invited to participate in their Special Gram Sabhas on 2nd October 2026 and contribute to the preparation of Panchayat Development Plans that reflect local needs and aspirations. Through “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas”, Gram Sabhas will reinforce participatory governance and contribute to building Sashakt Panchayats, Atmanirbhar Panchayats and Viksit Panchayats in the larger endeavour of Viksit Bharat.

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AA