G.O. (Ms.) No.83, Rural Infrastructure Scheme 2014-2015
The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (SGS-1) Department issued G.O. (Ms.) No.83 on 7 July 2014, approving the Rural Infrastructure Scheme for 2014-2015. It sanctions Rs.250 crore for upgrading rural roads and stabilising assets created under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and prescribes guidelines for selecting and carrying out the works.
What the order does
G.O. (Ms.) No.83 of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (SGS-1) Department establishes two streams of the Rural Infrastructure Scheme for 2014-2015:
- Stream I upgrades rural roads.
- Stream II stabilises assets created under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The provisions focus on funding, selecting and executing rural infrastructure works. They do not prescribe changes to individual land records or property ownership.
Funding and administration
G.O. (Ms.) No.83 sanctions Rs.250 crore from State Finance Commission grants due to rural local bodies. The allocation is divided as follows:
- Rs.150 crore for Stream I, rural road upgrades.
- Rs.100 crore for Stream II, stabilisation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme assets.
- Contributions from Village Panchayats, Panchayat Unions and District Panchayats in the ratio of 2:2:1.
The Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj is authorised to draw Rs.25 crore per month in ten instalments from April 2014 to January 2015 and distribute the funds to districts. Stream I district allocations are based on population.
Roads eligible for improvement
The Stream I guidelines allow earthen and gravel roads belonging to Village Panchayats and Panchayat Unions to be upgraded as Black Topped roads. Priorities include:
- Roads connecting unconnected habitations, regardless of population.
- Village Panchayat and Panchayat Union roads used by buses and mini buses.
- Link roads serving markets, education and health services, and roads with good utility value.
- The full stretch of a selected road, regardless of its length.
Selected roads must appear in the updated Village Panchayat or Panchayat Union road list and must have a road code.
Selection and construction controls
The Stream I guidelines require joint inspection by the Block Development Officer (Block Panchayat) and the concerned Assistant Engineer (Rural Development). Further verification and test checks are assigned to engineering officers and the District Rural Development Agency. The District Collector grants administrative sanction and may amend the works list if necessary.
Road design must address widening, road thickness, cross drainage and site-specific drainage. Indigenous trees such as tamarind and neem must be planted where space permits and maintained for three years. Works must follow the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998 and Rules, 2000.
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Common questions
Does G.O. (Ms.) No.83 change my patta or land ownership?
No change to pattas or property ownership is prescribed. The document deals with funding, selection and execution of rural road and infrastructure works.
Can an earthen road in my Village Panchayat be upgraded under the scheme?
Yes. Earthen and gravel roads of Village Panchayats and Panchayat Unions can be considered for upgrading as Black Topped roads, subject to the selection and verification requirements.
Which rural roads receive priority?
First priority goes to roads connecting unconnected habitations, regardless of population. Bus and mini bus routes are next, followed by useful links to markets, education and health services.
Can a road without a road code receive funding?
No. A selected road must be included in the updated Village Panchayat or Panchayat Union road list, and roads without a road code are not permitted under the scheme.
