The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) is a rural development programme focused on the holistic development of villages (Gram Panchayats). Under this scheme, Members of Parliament (MPs) take responsibility for developing the physical and institutional infrastructure of specific identified villages.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The scheme was launched on 11th October 2014, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The scheme does not mandate the simultaneous development of all villages. Instead, it follows a phased approach. The immediate goal was for each MP to develop one model village (Adarsh Gram) by 2016 and two more by 2019. Subsequently, five more villages were to be developed (one per year) by 2024.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The guidelines explicitly state that the MP must identify a Gram Panchayat other than their own village or their spouse’s village.
- Lok Sabha MPs choose a Gram Panchayat from within their constituency.
- Rajya Sabha MPs choose a Gram Panchayat from the rural area of a district of their choice in the State from which they are elected.
- Nominated MPs may choose a Gram Panchayat from the rural area of any district in the country.
Key Takeaway:
SAGY aims to translate the comprehensive vision of Mahatma Gandhi about an ideal Indian village into reality, focusing on values and community spirit alongside physical infrastructure, excluding the MP's or their spouse's native village to ensure impartiality.