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[Source: Hand out in Press Released by the Ministry of Rural Development
on the eve of Independence Day 15.08.2003]
Rural Development - Moving Towards a Resurgent Rural India
Progress Made During 1998-2003
"I am confident that India will become a Developed Nation by 2020. Come, let us strive together to turn this resolve into reality"
-Atal Behari Vajpayee, Prime Minster of India
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Paradigm Shift in Strategy for Rural Development
Strategic pro poor polic adopted treating rural poor as resource with immense potential Emphasis on participation of people through Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) in planning, formulation and execution of rural development programmes Enhanced allocation of funds of the order of Rs.76,764 crore during Tenth Plan against Rs.42,874 crore Nineth Plan.
Promoting Decentralisation to Ensure People's Participation in Development
Promoting Self-Employment Programmes in Rural Areas
Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) a holistic programme of promoting Self Employment of Rural Poor was launched on 1st April, 1999 with emphasis on organising rural poor into Self Help Groups (SHGs) and ensuring their capacity building, training, economic assistance, marketing and related infrastructure. Since inception 14.5 lakh SHGs formed and more than one lakh Groups have taken up economic activity. 37 lakh Swarojgaris assisted with an investment of Rs.7500 crore (approx)
Promoting Food Security, Gainful Employment & Infrastructure
Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) launched on 25th September, 2001 with an annual outlay of Rs.10,000 Crore. A minimum of 5 kilogram of food grains are provided in addition to cash payment as wages to the poor. Yojana aims to generate more than 70 crore mandays per annum.
Strengthening Rural Infrastructure
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) launched in December, 2000 aims to connect all unconnected rural habitations (around 1.60 lakh) with all weather roads by 2007 with an investment of Rs.60,000 crore. Project Proposals for about Rs.9000 crores cleared so far aiming to connect about 40000 habitations with road works of about 67000 kms. About 15000 road works already completed.
Shelter for All
Construction of 13 lakh houses annually in rural areas for the Below Poverty Line families. 56 lakh houses constructed during 5 years with an investment of about Rs.10,860 crore. Cost effective and disaster resistant technologies are also promoted through innovative Housing Projects and Rural Building Centres.
Potable Drinking Water for All
Drinking water for all by 2004. 99 per cent habitations have already got access to safe drinking water. Community based rural water supply programme Swajaldhara launched on 25th December 2002, to open up reforms initiative in drinking water sector throughout the country. A special initiative taken for installation of one lakh hand pumps, provision of drinking water in one lakh primary schools and revival of one lakh traditional sources of drinking water in rural areas with an investment of Rs.700 crore. Special efforts to provide safe drinkin water in rural habitations affected by water quality problems like fluorosis, arsenic, brackisahness, excess iron etc. and to conserve water sources.
Rejuvenating Wastelands/ Degraded Lands
Plan allocation enhanced from Rs.324 crore from 1999-2000 to Rs.1050 crore in 2003-2004. New watershed projects taken up for development of 138 lakh hectares of wasteland/degraded lands. A new initiative 'Hariyali' launched in 2003 to be implemented by Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Promoting Cleanliness and Hygiene in Rural Areas
Central Rural Sanitation Programme restructured in 1999 to make it people friendly and demand driven with focus on awareness generation to create demand for sanitation facilities. Total Sanitation Campaign being implemented in 265 Districts.
Providing Urban amenities in Rural Areas (PURA)
"Providing urban facilities to rural areas is another important mission about which I have talked to you earlier. In the long-term interest, it is necessary for us to make living in villages an attractive proposition for our people by reinforcing the rural habitat and providing modern economic linkages. To achieve this, an economically viable cluster of villages have to be created through a mission mode programme into physical, electronic, and knowledge connectivities, leading to self-sustained economic prosperity for groups of villages. It is essential that PURA has to become a business proposition to be run by small scale industrialists, entrepreneurs, and societal establishments."
[Extract from the address of President APJ Abdul Kalam to the nation on the eve of Independence Day on 14.08.2003]
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