New Delhi [India], October 5 (ANI): The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched the People's Plan Campaign (PPC) 2025-26: 'Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas' Abhiyaan across all States and Union Territories, thereby initiating the nationwide process for preparing Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs) for the Financial Year 2026-27.

According to a release, in the run-up to the launch on October 2nd, extensive preparations were carried out. The Ministry had virtual interactions with State Governments, Union Territories, and State Institutes of rural development and panchayati raj (SIRD&PRs) to finalise strategies and ensure smooth coordination.

To promote convergence and grassroots-level participation, the Ministry is working along with 20 Line Ministries/Departments of the Government of India to direct their respective State/UT counterparts to actively participate in the campaign, particularly through special Gram Sabha meetings. Furthermore, States and UTs has been instructed to appoint nodal officers, train facilitators, finalize schedules for Gram Sabhas, and prominently display Public Information Boards. The Special Gram Sabhas convened on 2nd October 2025 marked the formal launch of the campaign across the country.

The statement said that the PPC 2025-26 is designed to strengthen participatory, transparent, and accountable local governance. Under this initiative, Gram Sabhas are tasked with reviewing earlier Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) using digital platforms such as eGramSwaraj, Meri Panchayat App, and Panchayat NIRNAY. They are expected to assess progress on works, identify delays, and prioritise unfinished projects, especially those linked with unspent Central Finance Commission grants. The planning process will be guided by the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI), while tools like SabhaSaar will be encouraged to make deliberations more effective. Efforts will also focus on improving Panchayats' Own Source Revenue (OSR) and ensuring deeper community involvement in decision-making.

A special emphasis of the campaign is on tribal empowerment, with focused activities under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyaan. By ensuring the active participation of Panchayat representatives, line department officials, community members, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and frontline workers, the campaign aims to deepen further transparency, convergence, and accountability in grassroots planning. It is expected to pave the way for stronger service delivery mechanisms, inclusive development, and improved outcomes for rural communities across India

Meanwhile, since its launch in 2018, the People's Plan Campaign has helped Panchayats prepare evidence-based and inclusive development plans that reflect local needs while aligning with national priorities. According to data available on the eGramSwaraj Portal, more than 18.13 lakh Panchayat Development Plans have been uploaded from 2019- 20 to 2025-26 . These include over 17.73 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), 35,755 Block Panchayat Development Plans (BPDPs) and 3,469 District Panchayat Development Plans (DPDPs). (ANI)