India is largely termed as an agrarian economy, with about 50 percent of the Indian population earning a source of livelihood from it. However, the coronavirus-led lockdown hit the farming community and impacted their livelihood adversely.
Rural development focuses on improving the economic well-being and quality of life in rural communities. It tackles poverty and isolation by enhancing agriculture, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Programs prioritize sustainable development, livelihood creation, and grassroots empowerment.
- Agricultural Growth
- Infrastructure Development
- Employment Generation
- Access to Health and Education
- Empowerment of Marginalized Groups
Objectives of Rural Development
1. Development of agriculture and allied activities.
2. Development of village and cottage industries and handicrafts.
3. Development of socio-economic infrastructure which includes setting up of rural banks, co-operatives, schools etc.
4.Development of community services and facilities i.e. drinking water, electricity, rural roads, health services etc
5.Development of Human resource mobilization.
- Ministerial Changes: Narendra Modi’s third term saw the appointment of Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the new Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, with additional responsibilities for rural development. Chouhan, a veteran in agricultural reform from his tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, signals a strong focus on this sector.
- Initial Plans and Budget:Despite a reduced parliamentary majority, the Modi 3.0 government prioritised agriculture and rural development. The commitment to the PM-KISAN scheme, which provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers, continues without adjustment for inflation. The Union Budget 2024-25 maintained similar funding levels for agricultural R&D, indicating a stable approach.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Article 40: Directs the State to organise village panchayats and empower them as self-governing units.
- 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992):Established Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to promote grassroots democracy and rural development.
- Eleventh Schedule: Assigns 29 functions to PRIs, including agricultural extension, land reforms, and land improvement.
Governance:
- Central Government: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj oversees PRI policies and implementation.
- State Government: State Departments of Rural Development handle rural programs’ planning and execution.
- Local Government: PRIs are responsible for implementing local development programs.
- Rising Disposable Income: Lower food expenditure (46%) and increased spending on conveyance (7.55%) indicate higher rural income and employment opportunities.
- Agricultural Reforms: Modern technologies and schemes like Soil Health Cards and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana have boosted productivity.
- Rural Infrastructure: Programs like PMGSY and DAY-NRLM have improved connectivity and economic activities.
- Entrepreneurship and Skills: Initiatives like SVEP promote rural startups and skill development.
- Financial Inclusion: PMJDY and Mudra Yojana enhance access to banking and credit services.
- Digital Connectivity: Bharat Net and CSCs enable e-governance and digital services.
- Healthcare and Sanitation: Ayushman Bharat and Swachh Bharat Mission improve rural health and sanitation.
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