RURAL DEVELOPMENT: ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING

KHU-701

UNIT 1
Notes
Syllabus Unit-1
Rural Planning & Development: Concepts of Rural Development, Basic elements of rural
Development, and Importance of Rural Development for creation of Sustainable
Livelihoods, An overview of Policies and Programmes for Rural Development-
Programmes in the agricultural sector, Programmes in the Social Security, Programmes in
area of Social Sector.

Objective of Rural Development: The primary objective of rural development is to improve

the quality of life for people living in rural areas by enhancing their economic, social, and
environmental conditions. This includes increasing agricultural productivity, creating job
opportunities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring access to essential services such as
education, healthcare, and clean water.

Importance of Rural Development:

1. Economic Growth: Rural development boosts local economies by promoting

agricultural and non-agricultural enterprises, leading to increased income and reduced
poverty.
2. Social Equity: It helps bridge the gap between rural and urban areas, ensuring that
rural populations have equal access to resources and opportunities.
3. Infrastructure Improvement: Enhances essential infrastructure like roads,
electricity, and water supply, which are crucial for daily life and economic activities.
4. Health and Education: Improves access to healthcare and educational facilities,
leading to better overall well-being and literacy rates.
5. Sustainable Development: Promotes sustainable practices that protect natural
resources and support environmental conservation.

Overall, rural development is vital for balanced national growth and social stability.

Relevance of Rural Development:

1. Economic Growth: Boosts rural economies and reduces poverty.

2. Food Security: Enhances agricultural productivity and ensures stable food supply.
3. Social Equity: Addresses urban-rural disparities and improves living standards.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Promotes sustainable practices and resource
conservation.

Application of Rural Development:

1. Infrastructure: Upgrades roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.

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 2. Agriculture: Implements modern farming techniques and supports market access.
3. Economic Diversification: Develops small businesses and other income sources.
4. Education & Health: Provides training and improves healthcare access.
5. Community Engagement: Involves locals in development planning and execution.

Advantages of Rural Development:

1. Economic Growth: Stimulates local economies by increasing productivity and

creating jobs, reducing rural poverty.
2. Improved Infrastructure: Enhances roads, schools, healthcare facilities, and
utilities, improving the quality of life.
3. Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: Implements modern farming techniques and
technology, leading to better yields and food security.
4. Social Benefits: Increases access to education, healthcare, and social services, leading
to overall improved well-being.
5. Balanced Regional Development: Reduces urban-rural disparities and fosters more
equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.
6. Environmental Sustainability: Encourages sustainable agricultural practices and
conservation efforts to protect natural resources.

Disadvantages of Rural Development:

1. Cost: High initial investment in infrastructure and services can strain public resources
and budgets.
2. Displacement: Development projects may lead to displacement of local communities
and loss of traditional livelihoods.
3. Social Disruption: Rapid changes can disrupt traditional social structures and lead to
cultural erosion.
4. Environmental Impact: Development activities, if not managed properly, can lead to
environmental degradation and resource depletion.
5. Inequality: Benefits may not be evenly distributed, potentially exacerbating
inequalities within rural areas.
6. Dependence on External Aid: Heavy reliance on government or donor funding can
create dependency and limit local initiative.

Balancing these advantages and disadvantages is crucial for effective rural development,
ensuring that benefits are maximized while mitigating potential drawbacks.

COURSE OUTCOME: After completion of the unit student will be able to:
Students can understand the definitions, concepts and components of Rural Development

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 Notes

Concept of Rural Development

Rural

A society or community can be classified as rural based on the criteria of:

 Lower population density

 Slow rate of social change

Development

It refers to growth, or progress. This progress or growth is gradual and had sequential phases.

It also refers to the overall movement towards greater efficiency and complex situations.

Rural Development

Rural development is a process which aims at improving the well-being of people living

outside the urbanized areas. Rural development is a strategy designed to improve the

economic and social lifeof rural poor.

Scope for Improvement

The primary areas to improve are:

 Employment opportunities: By increasing literacy rates in rural India can help in

creating more employment opportunities.

 Improving agricultural productivity: Organic farmingshould be incorporated to

improve outputs and profits.

 Infrastructure: The basic systems and services such as transport, water and power

suppliesshould drastically improve. This also leads to a social divide between urban

and rural areas.

 Caste system: Stigmas like the caste system still have a grip on rural

[Link] can help in eradicating such social evils.

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  Improving banking system: People should be given access to easy credit and

loansby improving the banking system in rural areas.

 Improving rural sanitation: Indians living in rural areas defecate in the open. So

Indian government should run programs so that rural sanitation can be improved.

Basic Elements of Rural Development

1. Basic Necessities of Life

People have certain basic needs; without which it would be impossible for them to survive.

The basic necessitates include food, clothes, shelter, basic literacy, primary health care and

security of life and property. When any one or all of them are absent or in critically short

supply, we may state that a condition of ‘absolute underdevelopment’ exists. Provision of the

basic necessities of life to everybody is the primary responsibility of all economies, whether

they are capitalist, socialist, or mixed. In this sense, we may claim that economic growth is a

necessary condition for improvement of the ‘quality of life’ or rural people, which is rural

development.

2. Self-Respect

Every person and every nation seeks some sort of self-respect, dignity or honour. Absence or

denial of self-respect indicates lack of development.

3. Freedom

In this context, freedom refers to:

 Political or ideological freedom: Political freedom is the ability of a nation’s citizens

to participate freely in the political process. It involves freedom of the majority to

influence and guide policy. For example, freedom of religion, freedom of speech.

 Economic freedom: Economic freedom, or economic liberty, is the ability of people

of a society to take economic actions. For example, free market (a free market is a

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 system in which the prices for goods and services are self-regulated by buyers and

sellers negotiating in an open market).

 Freedom from social slavery: As long as the society is ignorant and bound by

dogmatic beliefs, it cannot claim to have achieved the goal of ‘development’. Slavery

in any form reflects a state of underdevelopment.

Policies for rural development

(i) Technology Policy

In India,the agricultural sector is easily influenced by the weather [Link]

improvements can play a vital role in protecting agriculture from the effects of weather. Rural

societies are also characterised by large scale unemployment on the one hand and low

productivity on the other. Therefore, care has to be taken when new technologies are

introduced in rural [Link] is essential that newer technologies are adapted to rural societies

and on the other, it is necessary that existing technologies are extended to rural areas.

Technological planning, research and development are very vital ingredients of rural

development.

(ii) Agricultural Policy

Agriculture provides income and employment in rural [Link] to say, agricultural

planning is vital for rural development. The balanced growth of the agricultural sector can

play an important role in creating better conditions for those depending on this sector.

(iii) Employment Policy

Given the extent of unemployment problem in rural India, well-formulated employment

programmes are required. Such programmes can stop fluctuations in rural incomes on

account of poor weather conditions. Agricultural employment is often [Link] these

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conditions, rural employment programmes can ensure better spread of employment

throughout the year. The growth of non-agricultural activity within the village economy can

also relieve the pressure of population on the land.

(iv) Education Policy

In India the problem of illiteracyis particularly acute in rural [Link] lack of education can

act as a constraint in furthering rural development. Rural societies, are also characterised by

wide spread inequalities in the distribution of incomes and assets. The lack of education

creates a situation in which this problem is [Link] spread of education on the one

hand, can enable the rural poor to ensure justice and, on the other, help them in actively

participating in rural development programmes.

(v) Rural Institutions Policy

Rural institutions need to be reformedand utilised for successfully carrying out rural

development. The institutional aspects of rural societies are often ignored when strategies are

formulated. The institutional structures such as panchayats need to be nurtured for rural

development.

These structures can act as powerful agents in actually implementing the development

[Link] rural settlements are spread out and are often isolated, they cannot be

monitored successfully from outside. Contrarily, local monitoring by institutions such as

panchayats can actually ensure that programmes are successfully implemented and that the

target group actually benefits from such [Link] institutions such as banks and co-

operatives can also play a vital role in rural development.

(vi) Price Policy

The use of a price is also a crucial element in a rural development policy. Agricultural

produce has to be priced in such a manner that the farmers enjoy adequate [Link] price

policy through the use of subsidiescan act as a means of providing essential items of mass

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consumption to people residing in rural areas. This is particularly essential for those below

the poverty line. The spread of the public distribution system through its network of ration

shops in rural areas can be used to solve this problem. This is particularly important during

periods of poor rainfall when rural Incomes are adversely affected, which in turn has a

negative effect on consumption. Subsidies may have other forms—the form of input

subsidies to the agricultural sector for [Link] is particularly important in the case of

fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. Thus, the price policy can act as a useful means of achieving

rural development objectives.

(vii) Land Policy

Land policy is a crucial element in a rural development strategy. It is well-known that

distribution of land and other assets is very skewed in India, as the large majorities have

small land [Link] has a direct impact on the ability to earn incomes in rural areas.

Land reforms including the protection of the rights of tenants are one of the primary means of

transforming rural societies.

Schemes for rural development launched by Government of India

1. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

 In order to provide good unrestricted road connectivity to villages, the Government of

India launched Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) on 25th Dec, 2000.

 This Bharat Nirman programme was introduced by the then Prime Minister of India

Atal Bihari, Vajpayee.

 The main objective of the PMGSY is to provide connectivity, to the eligible

unconnected habitations in the rural areas.

2. DeenDayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

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  DDU-GKY was launched on 25 September 2014 by Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari

and Venkaiah Naidu on the occasion of 98 th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal

Upadhyaya.

 The Vision of DDU-GKY is to transform rural poor youth into an economically

independent and globally relevant workforce.

 It aims to target youth, in the age group of 15–35 years.

 DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). It aimed at

enhancing the employability of rural youth.

 Under this programme, disbursements would be made through a digital voucher

directly into the student’s bank account as part of the government's skill development

initiative.

3. DeenDayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana (DDU-AY)

 The initial scheme Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) was launched in

1999. It was renamed as National Rural Livelihood Mission in 2011. Finally, they

were merged into DDU-AY.

 DeenDayalAntyodaya Yojana (DAY) is one of the Government of India scheme for

helping the poor by providing skill training.

 The Government of India has provisioned ₹500 crores for the scheme.

 The objective of the scheme is to train 0.5 million people in urban areas per annum

from 2016.

 The aim of the scheme is skill development of both rural and urban India as per

requisite of the international standards.

4. Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)

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  The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana is the scheme for the development of

employment in the rural sector of India.

 Previously there were two different schemes pertaining to the generation of wage

employment in the rural sector under the Ministry of Rural Development in India. The

schemes were Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) for the generation of wage

employment and the Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY) for the development of

infrastructure in the rural areas.

 To ensure the better functioning of the schemes both of them were clubbed together in

the year 2001, and the result was the emergence of the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar

Yojana (SGRY) as the new improved Wage-Employment Programme under the

Ministry of Rural Development.

 The SGRY scheme has an estimated annual expenditure of 10,000 crores. Under it

nearly 50 lakh tonnes of food grains amounting to 5,000 crores are to be supplied to

the authorities of the State Governments and Union Territories every year. The funds

left out would be used for the purpose of wage payment and other cash requirements.

 The scheme has placed more stress on the provisions of wage employment to the

scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and women.

5. Swachh Bharat Mission

 The Prime Minister launched Swachh Bharat Mission on the birth anniversary of

Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October, 2014.

 The concept of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is to pave access for every person to

sanitation facilities including toilets, solid and liquid waste disposal systems, village

cleanliness and safe and adequate drinking water supply.

 The programme is to be implemented by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

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  An action plan has been drawn up for Swachh Bharat to become a reality by 2019, the

150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

 The Mission aims to triple the growth percentage of toilet from present 3% to 10% by

2019.

6. Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna

 This programme was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the birth

anniversary of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayanon 11 October 2014.

 Ministry of Rural Development will be the supervising authority for this programme.

 Under this programme each Member of Parliament will take the responsibility for

developing physical and institutional infrastructurein three villages by 2019.

7. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

 Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (or, NREGA), later renamed as

the "Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act" or MGNREGA.

 It aims to guarantee the 'right to work'. This act was passed in 23 August 2005 under

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

 The MGNREGA was initiated with the objective of "enhancing livelihood security in

rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a

financial year, to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled

manual work".

 Another aim of MGNREGA is to create durable assets (such as roads, canals, ponds

and wells).

 Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant's residence, and minimum

wages are to be paid.

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  If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, applicants are entitled to an

unemployment allowance. That is, if the government fails to provide employment, it

has to provide certain unemployment allowances to those people.

8. Village Grain Banks Scheme

 Village Grain Bank Scheme was being implemented by the Department of Food &

Public Distribution.

 The main objective of the scheme was to provide safeguard against starvation during

the period of natural calamity or during lean season when the households did not have

sufficient resources to purchase rations. Such people in need of food grains will be

able to borrow food grains from the Village Grain Bank.

 The grain banks are to be set up in food scarce areas like the droughtprone areas, the

hot and cold desert areas, tribal areas and the inaccessible hilly areas which remain

cut off because of natural calamities like floods, etc.

 The scheme envisages inclusion of all willing BPL families in the villages to be

identified by the State Government in food deficit areas. The quantity to be lent and

the period of repayment is to be decided by the Group themselves.

Key issues in rural development

(i) Development of infrastructure

● There is a lack of infrastructure in rural areas.

● Infrastructure development like electricity, irrigation, credit, marketing, transport

facilities, etc., needs to be addressed.

(ii) Reduction of poverty

● The reduction of poverty is important because rural areas have the maximum poverty.

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● Around 30% of the population is below the poverty line; this figure reduced to 21.92%

in 2012.

● There is a serious need of taking steps for the alleviation of poverty.

(iii) Development of health facilities

● Rural areas lack proper health facilities.

● Better health facilities are necessary for physical growth of individuals.

(iv) Development of productive resources

● Productive resources of each locality need to be developed to enhance employment

opportunities.

● It will help in diversification of production activities with a view of finding an alternative

means other than crop cultivation to sustain life.

(v) Development of human resources

● There is a need to improve the quality of human resources in rural areas.

● It can be done by improving the literacy rate, skill development, industrial training, etc.

Government schemes in agriculture sector

(a) National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

In order to make agriculture more productive, sustainable, remunerative and climate resilient,

the Government of India introduced National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in

the year 2014-15. To achieve these goals, the mission promotes location specific sustainable

and best farming practices; soil conservation and moisture protection measures; soil nutrient

management; efficient and sustainable water management practices with mainstreaming

rainfed methods.

As a major component of the mission, ‘On Farm Water Management’ (OFWM) is being

implemented with the objective of increasing water use efficiency by promoting modern

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technologies such as micro irrigation and sustainable water management practices, efficient

water consumption, better distribution channels along with secondary storage facilities.

(b) Pradhan Mantri FasalBima Yojana (PMFBY)

The extreme weather conditions such as droughts, floods and hailstorms cause crop failures

and financial loss to the farmers every year. And therefore, to save them from these ill

effects, the Government, by merging all previous crop insurance schemes, launched Pradhan

Mantri FasalBima Yojana (PMFBY) from Kharif 2016 season with the aim to support

production in agriculture by providing an affordable crop insurance system.

Central government has made Aadhaar mandatory for availing crop insurance from Kharif

2017 season. The scheme has been restructured with states given option to determine scale of

finance at district level as per average yield.

(c) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)

The Government of India has structured Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

with the vision to extend the coverage of irrigation and improving water use efficiency in a

focused manner. PMKSY focuses end to end solution on source creation, distribution,

management, field application and extension activities. The Cabinet Committee on Economic

Affairs had approved the irrigation scheme on July 1, 2015.

The Centre has structured the scheme with merging previous irrigation and water

management programmes such as Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP),

Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and On Farm Water Management

(OFWM) scheme. The Centre has approved Rs. 50,000 crore for five years for the

implementation of the flagship irrigation scheme across India.

(d) Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is one of the important government schemes

which encourages farmers for traditional and organic farming in India. Under the scheme, the

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Government of India provides a financial assistance to the farmers of Rs 50,000 per hectare

every three years for organic inputs, certification, labelling, packaging, transportation and

marketing of organic produce. The scheme focuses on reducing the ill effects of overuse of

fertilisers and agrochemicals by promoting organic manures, bio-fertilisers and bio-

pesticides. It helps improve the soil fertility by improving organic carbon in the soil which

results in enhancing moisture holding capacity in the field too.

(e) Micro Irrigation Fund scheme

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has created a Micro

Irrigation Fund with a corpus of Rs. 5,000 crore implemented from 2019-20. The objective of

the fund is to facilitate the states in availing an interest subvented loan for expanding

coverage of micro irrigation facilities by taking up special and innovative projects and also

for incentivising micro irrigation beyond the provisions available under PMKSY to

encourage farmers to install micro irrigation systems.

(f) Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region

(MOVCDNER)

MOVCDNER aims to develop the certified organic production in a value chain mode to link

farmers with consumers and to support the development of entire value chain starting from

organic inputs, seeds, certification and creation of facilities for collection, aggregation,

processing, marketing and brand building initiatives. The scheme is being implemented in

north eastern states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland,

Sikkim and Tripura

(g) E-NAM

In order connect the existing agricultural mandis on a common online market platform for

trading agricultural commodities, Government of India, launched a pan-India portal, e-

National Agriculture Market (eNAM) on April 14, 2016.

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So far, e-NAM has connected nearly 1,000 mandis in 18 states and three union territories.

Implemented by Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), eNAM aims at reducing

transaction costs, bridging information asymmetries, and helping expansion of market access

for farmers and other stakeholders. Since the implementation, e-NAM has registered a user

base of 1.66 crore farmers, 1.31 lakh traders, 73,151 commission agents and 1,012 farmer

producer organisation (FPOs).

(h) Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

In a bid to provide adequate and timely credit to the farmers for their agricultural

expenditures, the Central government had launched Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme in the

year 1998. Under the scheme, the Government of India provides farm credit at a very

subsidised rate of 4 percent per annum. Since 2019, the Centre has extended the benefits of

Kisan Credit Card to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries farmers for their working capital

requirement and raising the existing limit of collateral free loan from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs.1.60

lakh.

As part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package, the Centre has announced to cover 2.5 crore

farmers under KCC scheme with a credit boost of Rs 2 lakh crore through a special drive. As

a result, till October 19, 2020, according to the Government of India’s data, the package has

disbursed Rs. 1.35 lakh crore to 1.5 crore farmers under the scheme.

(i) Soil Health Card

With an objective of conserving and maintaining soil nutrient and soil fertility, Soil Health

Card (SHC) scheme issues soil health cards to the farmers every two years to provide a basis

to address nutritional deficiencies in the fields. Under the scheme, soil testing is conducted to

analyse the nutrient needs, then crop-wise fertilisers are recommended accordingly. This

reduces cultivation cost by application of right fertilisers with right quantity.

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In the next five years, the Centre has targeted to cover 400,000 villages under individual farm

holding soil sampling and testing, organise 2.5 lakh demonstrations, set up of 250 village

level soil testing labs, strengthening 200 soil testing labs and promotion of micro-nutrients in

two lakh hectare area.

(j) PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana

Lunched on February 24, 2019, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana makes transferring of Rs

6,000 per annum directly to the farmers’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer

(DBT) in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each. The scheme supplements the financial needs of

the small and marginal farmers in buying farm inputs and other agricultural expenses, The

scheme aims to protect the farmers from falling in the vicious traps of local moneylenders

and ensures their continuance in the farming activities.

(k) PM-Kusum

In order to reduce the consumption of diesel and electricity for agricultural irrigation, the

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja

Suraksha Evam UtthaanMahabhiyaan (PM-Kusum) scheme in February 19, 2019. With a

total Central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore, PM Kusum scheme aims to add solar and

other renewable capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022.

Under the scheme, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has targeted to install 10,000

MW of decentralised grid connected renewable power plants of individual plant size up to 2

MW, installation of 20 lakh solar powered agricultural pumps of individual pump capacity up

to 7.5 HP and solarisation of 15 lakh grid-connected irrigation pumps of individual capacity

up to 7.5 HP.

Social sector programmes for rural development

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The Ministry of Rural Development is engaged in implementing a number of schemes which

aim at enabling rural people to improve the quality of lives. The various social sector

programmes for rural development are discussed below:

(a) Indira Awas Yojana

IAY, otherwise known as Pradhan Mantri GraminAwaas Yojana (PMGAY) or IAY

Gramin,was a sub-scheme of the Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme

(RLEGP) and a social welfare programme that was first launched by Rajiv Gandhi in 1985. It

was the flagship housing programme of the Ministry of Rural Development and worked

toward constructing houses for the below-poverty-line (BPL) population in rural India. In the

financial year 1995-96, the IAY extended its aid to widows and close relatives of defence

personnel killed in action as well.

Key features of Indira Gandhi Awas Yojana

As the IAY was a social welfare scheme, a lot of the key features were designed to empower

citizens, beyond simply putting a roof over their heads. To understand further, consider the

following pointers.

(i) Ownership

Any home constructed under IAY was under joint ownership of both husband and wife, with

exception of the unmarried, divorced, and widows. However, the State could give ownership

to the woman only. Similarly, if the state allotted the construction of the house based on the

eligibility of a disabled member, then they maintained sole ownership.

(ii) Construction

Under this scheme, the construction was to be carried out by the beneficiary only. Any

external involvement of a contractor or agency was not permissible, and, if done, the

government could withhold or confiscate the funding provided. However, beneficiaries could

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acquire support services from NGOs, youth clubs, and others, for monitoring and assisting

with construction.

(iii) Construction standards

As per the objectives of this initiative, eco-friendly and sustainable modes of building houses

were to be promoted. Preference was given to locally-source d materials.

(iv) Fund allocation: Under this scheme, funds were released in instalments.

 The first instalment comprised of 25% of the total unit cost and was provided on the

Awaas Divas with the sanction order.

 The second instalment was paid after the first stage of construction was complete

reaching the lintel level, and comprised of 60% of the total cost.

 The final instalment was released after the home had a fully-constructed and

functional bathroom or latrine and the beneficiary was living in the home. Here, the

remaining 15% of the total cost was disbursed to the beneficiary.

(v) Construction time limit: Upon receiving the first instalment, the beneficiary had 9

months to complete the first stage. Following which, stage 2 had to be completed within

another 9 months from receiving the second instalment.

The benefits of this social welfare scheme are as follows:

 Houses constructed under IAY must be designed based on the requirements of the

residents.

 Aim to use locally-sourced materials to construct homes that will last at least 30

years.

 IAY promotes the use of eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable construction

techniques while also generating employment.

 IAY encourages Panchayats to spearhead change in their constituency so that the

program is effectively implemented across the nation.

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  IAY supports construction of homes with required provisions like workplaces

(b) Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana

 SGSY is being implemented since April 1999 as a major anti-poverty scheme for the

rural poor, by organizing them into Self Help Groups (SHGs), providing them with

skill development training and helping them to get credit linkage with financial

institutions and providing infrastructure and marketing support for the products

produced by them. Government of India and the State Government are sharing the

costs in the ratio of 75:25.

 The SGSY fund is used to provide subsidy for the Revolving fund and Economic

assistance to Self Help Groups.

 Part of the Scheme component is also utilised for formation of groups and conduct of

training for their basic orientation and skill upgradation.

 Upto 20% of the total allocation can also be spent on putting up of Infrastructure

required for promotion of activities of SHGs.

 The SHGs, after the first grading, are provided with a revolving fund of Rs.50,000 for

first linkages (bank loan of Rs.50,000 and Rs.10,000 as subsidy) Rs.1.00 lakhs for

second linkages and Rs.1.5 lakhs for third and subsequent linkages.

 After the second grading, the successful groups are provided with economic

assistance, the maximum eligible subsidy being 50% of the project cost with a ceiling

of Rs.1.25 lakhs.

(c) Employment Assurance Scheme

Employment Assurance Scheme was launched on 2nd October, 1993 for implementation in

1778 identified backward blocks of different States. The block selected were in the drought

prone areas, desert areas, tribal areas and hilly areas. Later, the scheme was extended to the

remaining blocks of the country in phased manner. At present, the scheme is being implement

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in all the rural blocks of the country. The programme has been restructured from 1 st April,

1999.

Objective

 As its name suggests, the primary objective of the EAS is to provide gainful

employment during the lean agricultural season in manual work to all able bodied

adults in rural areas who are in need and desirous of work, but cannot find it. The

work may be either on farm or on other allied operations or on the normal plan/non-

plan works during such a period.

 The secondary objective is the creation of community, social and economic assets for

sustained employment and development.

Status

The programme is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on cost sharing basis

between the Centre and the States in the ratio of 75:25. In the case of Union Territories, the

Centre provides entire funds under the Scheme.

Target Group

The EAS would be open to all adult rural poor who are in need of wage employment. A

maximum of two adults per family (the generally expected number of adults in a family)

would be provided wage employment, when there is demand during lean agricultural season,

subject to availability of funds.

Salient Features

 EAS will be the single wage employment programme to be implemented at the

district/block levels throughout the country.

 The funds to the States will be allocated on the basis of proportion of rural population

in a State to the total rural poor in the country or such other criteria as decided by the

Central Government from time to time.

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  The Gram Panchayat will maintain a live employment register containing the details

of the workers and numbers of days for which wage-employment is provided under

the Scheme.

 70% of the funds flowing to the districts would be allocated to the blocks and 30%

reserved at the district level to be utilized in the areas of distress.

 The wage-material ratio of 60:40 would be strictly implemented

 Payment of wages under the programme would be the Minimum Wage rates fixed by

the State authorities.

 The selection of works would be decided by Zilla Parishads after consultations with

elected representative of the areas.

 In the absence of Elected Bodies, a committee comprising of local MPs and MLAs

and other elected representatives would be constituted for selection of works.

 The expenditure will be in the ratio of 60:40 for wage/non-wage component.

 The Employment Assurance Scheme will operate at district/block levels throughout

the country. However, priority would be given to the areas suffering from endemic

labour exodus.

 Persons seeking wage employment under EAS would be engaged in the works

included in the annual action plan prepared for this purpose by the Zila Parishads.

 The provisions of employment under this scheme should result in the creation of

durable and productive assets.

(d) Jal Jeevan Mission

Jal Jeevan Mission is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through

individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India. JJM looks to

create a janandolan for water, thereby making it everyone’s priority.

Vision

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Every rural household has drinking water supply in adequate quantity of prescribed quality

on regular and long-term basis at affordable service delivery charges leading to improvement

in living standards of rural communities.

Mission

Jal Jeevan Mission is to assist, empower and facilitate:

 States/ UTs in planning of participatory rural water supply strategy for ensuring

potable drinking water security on long-term basis to every rural household and public

institution, viz. school, Anganwadi centre, Health centre, wellness centres, etc.

 States/ UTs for creation of water supply infrastructure so that every rural household

has Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024 and water in adequate quantity of

prescribed quality is made available on regular basis.

 States/ UTs to plan for their drinking water security.

 Rural communities to plan, implement, manage, own, operate and maintain their own

in-village water supply systems.

 States/ UTs to develop robust institutions having focus on service delivery and

financial sustainability of the sector by promoting utility approach.

 Capacity building of the stakeholders and create awareness in community on

significance of water for improvement in quality of life

 In making provision and mobilization of financial assistance to States/ UTs for

implementation of the mission.

(e) Rural Sanitation

The Central Rural Sanitation Programme, which was started in 1986, was one of India’s first

efforts to provide safe sanitation in rural areas. This programme focussed mainly on

providing subsidies to people to construct sanitation facilities. However, a study done by the

government in 1996-97 showed that it was more important to raise awareness about

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sanitation as a whole rather than to just provide subsidies for construction. This

understanding marked the first shift in the programme. In 1999, a restructured Total

Sanitation Campaign (TSC) was initiated to create supply-led sanitation by promoting local

sanitary marts and a range of technological options.

The rural sanitation campaign has the following as its objectives:

 Accelerate sanitation coverage in rural areas.

 Generate a push from the people to get facilities rather than expect the Government to

do it (demand-led promotion).

 Focus on intensive education and awareness campaigns to ensure that people

understand the need for safe sanitation.

 Take the scheme beyond rural households to rural schools and nursery schools. Here

again, the emphasis was placed on promoting good hygiene practices.

 Promote cost-effective and appropriate technologies.

 Through all the above, improve the health and quality of life in rural areas.

 The last modification of the scheme happened in 2012. It was restructured and

renamed as the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan. With an intent to transform India to "Nirmal

Bharat", the scheme's revised target for reaching total sanitation was changed from

2012 to 2022.

(f) National Social Assistance Programme

NSAP stands for National Social Assistance Programme. NSAP was launched on 15th

August, [Link] National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant

step towards the fulfilment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the Constitution

recognizing the concurrent responsibility of the Central and the State Governments in the

matter. In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide public

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assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in

other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and development.

Objective of NSAP

National Social Assistance Programme is a social security and welfare programme to provide

support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved families on death of primary

bread winner, belonging to below poverty line households.

Components of NSAP

The NSAP at its inception in 1995 had three components namely

 National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)

 National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and

 National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS)

The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) was subsequently transferred on 1st April,

2001 from the Ministry of Rural development to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

On 1st April, 2000 a new Scheme known as Annapurna Scheme was launched. This scheme

aimed at providing food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though

eligible, have remained uncovered under the NOAPS.

In February 2009, two new Schemes known as Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension

Scheme (IGNWPS) and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) were

introduced.

Presently NSAP comprises of five schemes, namely:

(a) Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

The eligible age for IGNOAPS is 60 years. The pension is Rs.200 p.m. for persons between

60 years and 79 years. For persons who are 80 years and above the pension is Rs.500/ - per

month.

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(b) Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

The eligible age is 40 years and the pension is Rs.300 per month. After attaining the age of 80

years, the beneficiary will get Rs.500/ - per month.

(c) Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)

The eligible age for the pension er is 18 years and above and the disability level has to be

80%. The amount is Rs.300 per month and after attaining the age of 80 years, the beneficiary

will get Rs 500/ - per month . Dwarfs will also be a n eligible category for this pension.

(d) National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)

Rs. 20000/ - will be given as a lumpsum assistance to the bereaved household in the event of

death of the bread - winner. It is clarified that any event of death (natural or otherwise) would

maKe the family eligible for assistance. A woman in the family,who is a home maKer,is also

considered as a 'bread - winner' for this purpose. The family benefit will be paid to such

surviving member of the household of the deceased poor, who after local inquiry, is found to

be the head of the nousehold. For the purpose of the scheme, the term "household'would

include spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters and dependent parents. In case of death

of an unmarried adult, the term household would include minor brothers/ sisters and

dependent parents. The death of such a bread - winner should have occurred whilst he/ she is

more than 18 years of age and less than 60 years of age. The assistance would be given to

every case of death of breadwinner in a family.

(e) Annapurna Scheme

10 kgs of food grains (wheat or rice) is given per month per beneficiary. The scheme aims at

providing food security to meet the requirements of those eligible old aged persons who have

remained uncovered under the IGNOAPS

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Caselet: Transforming Village Vikas

Background: Village Vikas, a remote rural community in India, faced numerous challenges
including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. With a
population of about 1,500 residents, the village’s economy was primarily based on traditional
agriculture, which was both unproductive and unsustainable due to outdated farming
techniques and lack of irrigation.

Intervention: In 2020, the government, in collaboration with a non-governmental

organization (NGO), launched a comprehensive rural development program in Village Vikas.
The initiative aimed to address key issues through a multi-faceted approach:

1. Infrastructure Development:
o Constructed a new road connecting Village Vikas to the nearest town,
facilitating better access to markets and services.
o Built a community center that served as a hub for education and health
services.
2. Agricultural Enhancement:
o Introduced modern farming techniques and provided training on sustainable
practices.
o Established an irrigation system to improve crop yields and reduce
dependence on seasonal rains.
o Distributed high-quality seeds and fertilizers to local farmers.
3. Economic Diversification:
o Supported the creation of small-scale enterprises, such as a local dairy
cooperative and handicraft workshops.
o Facilitated microloans to help residents start small businesses.
4. Education and Health:
o Launched adult education programs and vocational training to enhance skills
and literacy.
o Set up a primary healthcare clinic with trained staff to address basic health
needs and promote preventive care.

Results: Within two years of implementing the program, Village Vikas saw significant
improvements:

 Economic Growth: The new road and irrigation system led to a 40% increase in
agricultural productivity, and local businesses began to thrive, creating new job
opportunities.
 Improved Infrastructure: Residents reported better access to essential services and
increased mobility.
 Social Benefits: Literacy rates improved, and healthcare access reduced the incidence
of preventable diseases.
 Environmental Impact: Adoption of sustainable farming practices contributed to
better soil health and reduced environmental degradation.

Challenges: Despite the successes, the program faced challenges such as:

 Cultural Resistance: Some traditional practices were slow to change, requiring

additional community engagement and education.

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  Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term maintenance of infrastructure and continued
support for new businesses was an ongoing concern.

Conclusion: The case of Village Vikas illustrates the potential benefits of a holistic rural
development approach. By addressing multiple facets of rural life, including infrastructure,
agriculture, economic opportunities, and social services, the program significantly improved
the quality of life for its residents. However, it also highlighted the need for sustained efforts
and community involvement to overcome challenges and ensure long-term success.

Caselet: Revitalizing Greenfield Village

Background: Greenfield Village, a small rural community in the southern part of a

developing country, faced numerous development challenges. With a population of 2,000, the
village was struggling with poor infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare,
and declining agricultural productivity. Traditional farming practices and lack of modern
technology had resulted in low crop yields and widespread poverty.

Intervention: In 2022, a rural development project was launched in Greenfield Village,

funded jointly by the government and an international development organization. The project
aimed to address key issues through the following strategies:

1. Infrastructure Improvement:
o Constructed a new, all-weather road linking Greenfield Village to the nearest
town, improving market access.
o Established a community center with facilities for education, healthcare, and
community gatherings.
2. Agricultural Development:
o Introduced modern irrigation systems and provided training in advanced
farming techniques.
o Set up a local agricultural extension office to offer ongoing support and
resources to farmers.
o Distributed high-yield seeds and organic fertilizers to increase crop
productivity.
3. Economic Empowerment:
o Created a small business incubator to support local entrepreneurship, focusing
on crafts and small-scale manufacturing.
o Offered microloans and financial literacy workshops to help residents start and
manage their businesses.
4. Education and Healthcare:
o Constructed a new primary school and provided scholarships for secondary
education.
o Set up a primary healthcare clinic with trained personnel to provide basic
medical services and health education.

Results: By mid-2024, the Greenfield Village project had achieved notable outcomes:

 Economic Growth: The new road facilitated better market access, leading to a 30%
increase in agricultural sales and the growth of local businesses.
 Infrastructure Development: Improved infrastructure significantly enhanced the
residents’ quality of life and connectivity.

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  Increased Agricultural Productivity: Adoption of modern practices and
technologies led to a 50% increase in crop yields.
 Educational and Health Improvements: School enrollment rates increased, and the
healthcare clinic reduced the incidence of common diseases.

Challenges: Despite the successes, the project encountered several challenges:

 Community Resistance: Some villagers were initially resistant to change, preferring

traditional practices over new techniques.
 Maintenance Issues: Ensuring the long-term maintenance of infrastructure and
continued support for new businesses proved challenging.

Questions:

1. What were the primary goals of the rural development project in Greenfield
Village?
o Answer: The primary goals were to improve infrastructure, enhance
agricultural productivity, empower local entrepreneurship, and increase access
to education and healthcare.
2. How did the introduction of modern irrigation systems and advanced farming
techniques impact agricultural productivity in Greenfield Village?
o Answer: The introduction of modern irrigation systems and advanced farming
techniques led to a 50% increase in crop yields.
3. What were some of the challenges faced during the implementation of the
project?
o Answer: Challenges included community resistance to change and difficulties
in maintaining infrastructure and ongoing support for new businesses.
4. How did the construction of a new road benefit Greenfield Village?
o Answer: The new road improved market access, which led to a 30% increase
in agricultural sales and facilitated the growth of local businesses.
5. What strategies were used to address the educational and healthcare needs of the
village?
o Answer: The project included the construction of a new primary school, the
provision of scholarships for secondary education, and the establishment of a
primary healthcare clinic with trained personnel.

This caselet illustrates how a comprehensive rural development approach can lead to
significant improvements in various aspects of rural life, while also highlighting the
importance of addressing challenges to ensure sustainable success.

Question Bank

What is Rural Development? Discuss scope & importance of Rural Development.

What is the importance of Rural Development for Creation of Sustainable Livelihood?
Bring out the key issues in Rural Development.
Discuss MGNERGA with its goals & Objective.
Explain Baroda experiment with its major objectives and outcomes.
Discuss the various programs of Government of India to promote agriculture and social
security in rural India.

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