RAS question
Which of the following statements about PMGSY Phase IV (2024–29) is correct?
Correct answer: (B) It has a total outlay of ₹70,125 crore and targets 25,000 habitations through 62,500 km of roads.
PMGSY Phase IV for 2024-25 to 2028-29 has a total outlay of Rs. 70,125 crore and aims to provide 62,500 km of all-weather roads for 25,000 eligible unconnected habitations.
Explanation
The correct statement is B because the official Cabinet approval for PMGSY-IV fixes both the financial size and the physical target clearly: the scheme runs from FY 2024-25 to 2028-29, has a total outlay of Rs. 70,125 crore, and provides financial assistance for 62,500 km of road construction to connect 25,000 eligible unconnected habitations. The source also clarifies that this is not a state-only programme: the outlay includes a central share of Rs. 49,087.50 crore and a state share of Rs. 21,037.50 crore. Its focus is new rural connectivity through all-weather roads, along with required bridges on those new connectivity alignments.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Option A is wrong because the official PMGSY-IV target is 25,000 unconnected habitations through 62,500 km of roads, not 50,000 habitations through 1,00,000 km.
- (C) Option C is wrong because PMGSY-IV is explicitly meant to provide new connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations, not only to upgrade existing rural roads.
- (D) Option D is wrong because the approved outlay includes both a central share and a state share, so it is not funded entirely by state governments.
Concept
This tests the Indian Economy syllabus area on major centrally supported rural infrastructure schemes. RAS repeatedly asks such schemes because their targets, funding pattern, and development purpose link budgetary policy with rural connectivity outcomes.