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Andhra Pradesh to rename Gram and Ward Sachivalayams as Swarna Gramam and Swarna Wards

by VARINDIA 2025-12-31

The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Gram Sachivalayams as Swarna Gramam and Ward Sachivalayams as Swarna Wards, marking a new phase in the state’s decentralised governance framework. The decision was taken during a late-night Cabinet meeting held on December 29, officials said.

The renaming is part of a broader initiative titled the ‘Swarna Gramam–Swarna Ward’ programme, which aims to transform village and ward secretariats into more proactive governance units. According to government sources, the move is intended to improve efficiency, strengthen service delivery and promote community-led development at the grassroots level.

Focus on Active Governance Units

Officials described the programme as more than a cosmetic change. Under the new framework, Gram and Ward Sachivalayams are expected to function as “active vision units” that identify local needs, monitor development works and engage closely with residents. The government believes this shift will help align grassroots administration more closely with development goals and citizen expectations.

Sources indicated that the initial phase would involve minimal structural changes. Instead, the focus will be on training staff, updating signage, and digitising operations to improve transparency and responsiveness. Over time, additional responsibilities may be assigned to these units to strengthen their role in planning and implementation.

Background and Role of Sachivalayams

Gram and Ward Sachivalayams were introduced in 2019 under the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government led by former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The initiative was launched to decentralise governance by bringing government services directly to villages and urban neighbourhoods.

Each Gram Sachivalayam caters to rural areas, while Ward Sachivalayams serves urban wards. These offices act as a single point of contact for citizens seeking access to welfare schemes, certificates and grievance redressal services. The system employs more than 2.5 lakh volunteers and staff, playing a key role in delivering welfare benefits to households across the state.

Over the years, the Sachivalayam model has been credited with improving last-mile delivery of government services. With the rebranding to Swarna Gramam and Swarna Wards, the state government hopes to build on this foundation and give the institutions a sharper developmental focus.

Officials said further guidelines on implementation will be issued soon, outlining the roles and expectations under the revamped programme. The government maintains that the initiative will help empower local communities while making governance more efficient and citizen-centric across Andhra Pradesh.