During 2025, various schemes implemented by the Department of Rural Development played a decisive role in reshaping rural India. By strengthening infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, housing facilities, employment, skill development, and social security, these initiatives significantly improved the quality of life in villages. Key programmes related to roads, housing, and employment provided strong grassroots support to inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Launched in December 2000, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has played a historic role in integrating rural habitations with the national mainstream. In 2025 alone, a total of 1,720 road projects were completed across states and Union Territories. Under these projects, 8,693.54 kilometres of new rural roads were constructed, significantly improving access to remote and economically important regions.
Addition, 481 bridges were completed, ensuring all-weather connectivity and smoother movement across rivers and difficult terrains. During this period, a capital expenditure of ₹8,548.26 crore was incurred on road and bridge construction. States also spent ₹811 crore on the maintenance of rural roads, ensuring asset sustainability, improved road quality, and extended service life.
Terms of performance, Tamil Nadu emerged as the leading state with the completion of 536 roads and an expansion of 1,736.25 kilometres of road network. Himachal Pradesh recorded a strong performance by completing 1,103.77 kilometres of roads in challenging mountainous conditions. Bihar completed the highest number of bridges (173), significantly strengthening connectivity in flood-prone areas. Notable progress was also reported in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
Special emphasis was placed on targeted infrastructure development in border, hilly, and northeastern regions such as Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand, supporting both regional development and strategic connectivity. Under PMGSY Phase-IV, road lengths totaling 5,436 kilometres have already been approved for Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Launched in June 2011, DAY-NRLM is a flagship initiative aimed at empowering rural poor households through sustainable livelihoods. The mission focuses on building strong community-based institutions to enable poor families to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. It operates through four core pillars social mobilization, financial inclusion, promotion of sustainable livelihoods, and social development leading to long-term improvements in income levels and living standards of rural households.
PMAY-G, the Government of India has set a target to provide 4.95 crore pucca houses in rural areas by 2029. Initially, support was planned for the construction of 2.95 crore houses by March 2024. Considering the rising housing needs due to population growth, the Union Cabinet approved the expansion of the scheme in August 2024. As a result, 2 crore additional rural houses will be constructed during the period from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29.
Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana: Restructured on 25 September 2014, DDU-GKY focuses on providing rural poor youth with industry-relevant skills aligned with global standards, enabling them to secure sustainable employment. The scheme is implemented on a state-led model through public-private partnerships. A minimum 70 percent placement is mandatory under the programme, covering both wage employment and self-employment, making it a key driver of skilled rural workforce development.
(FAQs):
Q1. What are the key Rural Development Schemes in 2025?
PMGSY, PMAY-G, DAY-NRLM, and DDU-GKY are the major schemes driving rural development.
Q2. How does PMGSY help rural India?
PMGSY improves rural road connectivity, market access, and all-weather transportation.
Q3. What is the target of PMAY-G?
PMAY-G aims to provide 4.95 crore pucca houses in rural areas by 2029.
Q4. Who benefits from DAY-NRLM?
Poor rural households benefit through livelihood support, SHGs, and financial inclusion.
Q5. How does DDU-GKY support rural youth?
DDU-GKY provides skill training with assured placement for sustainable employment.
