State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 19 Jul 2025

National Workshop on Enhanced Gram Panchayat Spatial Development Plan

Why in News? 

The Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj inaugurated the pioneering two-day National Workshop on Enhanced Gram Panchayat Spatial Development Plan, titled “नवीनग्राम – Re-Imagining the Village,” at the Kushabhau Thakre International Convention Centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. 

Key Points 

About National Workshop 

• Event Details: The workshop is a landmark initiative bringing together 19 partner institutes in planning and architecture. 
  • It presents enhanced spatial plans for 36 Gram Panchayats across 14 States, marking the largest collaborative effort in India’s rural spatial development history. 
  • The workshop builds upon the success of the Cross Learning-cum-Interactive National Workshop on Gram Panchayat Spatial Development Plan held in February 2024. 
  • It represents a significant step towards integrating modern planning principles with Panchayati Raj governance. 
  • The workshop draws inspiration from the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Gram Panchayats. 
  • The workshop establishes new benchmarks for rural governance and development, ensuring that scientific spatial planning forms the foundation for sustainable rural growth in India. 
• Participants and Stakeholders: The workshop witnessed participation from: 
  • Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions. 
  • Officers from Panchayati Raj Departments across various States. 
  • Faculty and students from planning and architecture institutes. 
  • Town and Country Planning Department officials and government agencies. 
• Focus on Financial Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement: The initiative encourages the use of the Rural Area Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (RADPFI) Guidelines. 
  • It seeks support from stakeholders such as community members, financiers, policy planners, and technology providers to transform rural landscapes. 
  • Emphasis on the importance of Own Sources of Revenue (OSR) generation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships for creating financially sustainable Gram Panchayats. 
• Geographical Representation: The inaugural day featured presentations from seven States, including: 
  • Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. 
    • These presentations highlighted the nationwide momentum and diverse implementation approaches in different geographical contexts. 
• Progress in Madhya Pradesh: Bilkisganj and Murvas Gram Panchayats in Madhya Pradesh are progressing well with their comprehensive spatial planning implementation. 
  • Five additional Gram Panchayats in the State will adopt similar approaches, with the Panchayati Raj Department providing complete support for this initiative. 

Note

• A Gram Panchayat Spatial Development Plan is a comprehensive plan that guides the physical and spatial development of a gram panchayat.  
  • It outlines how land should be used, what infrastructure should be built, and how development should be managed to achieve social and economic goals 

About NAVEENGRAM Initiative 

• NAVEENGRAM – Re-Imagining the Village aims to position India as a global leader in rural spatial development planning. 
• The initiative creates replicable models for planned development that reach every corner of rural India while preserving heritage and promoting inclusive growth. 
  • It transforms villages from administrative units into well-planned communities, optimizing land use, infrastructure development, and sustainable resource management.