PMGSY norms: TN may lose ₹700 cr every year

The state may lose Union government's funding of around ₹700 crore or more every year under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) from 2025-26 since the guidelines issued for Phase IV of the scheme has excluded upgrading of roads from its ambit, according to officials in the rural development department.

- NIRUPAMA VISWANATHAN & PRAVEENA SA @Chennai

The state is likely not to get the benefit of the scheme, since it has already achieved almost 100% road connectivity to all habitations, barring just eight. At least six other states may also be impacted, officials said.

PMGSY, launched in 2000 with the aim of providing all-weather road connectivity to rural habitations, is being executed in the funding pattern of centre (60%) and state (40%) since 2015. The guidelines for Phase IV were issued in December.