Programmes of rural development- 1 | Sociology Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Programmes of Rural Development: Community Development Programme - Cooperatives, Poverty Alleviation Schemes

The Indian government initially focused on agriculture, industry, communication, education, health, and allied sectors for development. However, it was later recognized that to achieve accelerated development, the government's efforts should be effectively supplemented by the direct and indirect involvement of people at the grassroots level. Thus, on March 31, 1952, the Community Projects Administration was established under the Planning Commission to oversee programs related to community development. The community development program launched on October 2, 1952, marked a significant milestone in the history of rural development.

• Rural development has since become a priority for Indian policymakers. It was during the 4th Five Year Plan that serious consideration was given to rural development by adopting the Small Farmer Development Programme, Drought Prone Area Programme, and Crash Scheme for Rural Employment, among others. In the 5th plan, the Food for Work Programme and Minimum Needs Programme were initiated. To address unemployment among rural youth, the Training to Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM) program was launched in 1979.
• During the 6th plan, in 1980, the government introduced the National Rural Employment Programme (NREP), which replaced the Crash Plan, Food for Work Plan, and Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP). In 1982, the Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA) program was launched to provide self-employment opportunities for women living below the poverty line in rural areas. The government also initiated the Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP) in 1983 to address rural poverty and unemployment.
• At the end of the 7th plan in 1989, the government combined the NREP and RLEGP to form a more comprehensive plan called Jawahar Rozgar Yojana. In 1993, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) was established to provide financial assistance for rural development. In March 1999, the government introduced the Annapurna Yojana, which aimed to provide 10 kg of free food grains to eligible elderly individuals. During the 9th plan period in April 1999, several anti-poverty programs and self-employment programs were revamped by merging IRDP, DWCRA, TRYSEM, the Ganga Kalyan Yojana, and the Million Wells Scheme into a holistic self-employment scheme called Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY).
• Post-SGSY, various programs were launched to meet the basic needs of the poor rural population and develop infrastructure, including the Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana, Antyodaya Yojana, Anna Yojana, Gram Sadak Yojana, Sampurna Gramin Rozgar, and National Food for Work Programme. Panchayati Raj Institutions have been involved in the implementation of these programs, forming the core of decentralized development planning and execution. On December 25, 2002, the Swajaldhara initiative was launched to empower Panchayats to formulate, implement, and operate water projects in the drinking water sector. The Hariyali initiative was launched on January 27, 2003, to further involve PRI in the development process.

The empowerment of rural women is crucial for India's development. Therefore, poverty alleviation programs have a women's component to ensure adequate funding for this demographic.Major Rural Development Programmes

• National Food for work programme (NFFWP) 
• Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) 
• Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) 
• Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) 
• Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY) 
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) 
• Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) 
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) 
• Indira Awaas Yojana. (IAY)
• Samagra Awaas Yojana (SAY) 
• Rural Water Supply Programme (RWSP) 
• Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP)
• Total Sanitation Campaign Programme (TSCP) 
• Integrated Wasteland Development Project Scheme (IWDPS)
• National Social Assistance Programme (NASP)
• Drought Prone Areas Programme (DPAP)
• Desert Development Programme (DDP)

Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)

• The Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) is a comprehensive self-employment program for the rural poor in India. The scheme was introduced on April 1, 1999, by merging various programs such as Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), Training of Rural Youth for Self Employment (TRYSEM), Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA), Million Wells Scheme (MWS), Supply of Improved Toolkits to Rural Artisans (SITRA), and b The primary objective of SGSY is to uplift the rural poor, referred to as Swarozgaries, above the poverty line by providing them with sustained income-generation opportunities.
• Key features of the SGSY include group-based activities with 75% of funds allocated to Self Help Groups (SHGs) and 25% for individual Swarozgaries. The SHGs consist of members from below poverty line families, as approved by the Gram Sabha. The scheme covers various aspects of self-employment, such as group formation, revolving funds, training, credit, technology, infrastructure, and marketing. A substantial portion of the allocation (20%) is earmarked for creating marketing infrastructure. Subsidies are provided for both SHGs and individual Swarozgaries, with varying limits based on their project costs.

Generating employment in villages is essential for rural development

• The SGSY program has replaced several older schemes and has been instrumental in empowering rural poor through social mobilization, capacity building, and income generation. It has also led to the development of rural infrastructure and the creation of durable community assets through the Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY), which was launched on September 25, 2001, by merging the Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS) and the Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana (JGSY). The SGRY aims to provide additional wage employment in rural areas and ensure food security, alongside infrastructure development.

National food for work Programme (NFFWP)

• The National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP) is a special initiative launched by the central government of India to promote development in the 150 most underdeveloped districts in the country. The program began on November 14, 2004, with the goal of providing sustainable resources, both monetary and in the form of food grains, to create additional employment opportunities and build productive assets in these identified districts.
• The NFFWP is designed to benefit rural individuals in need of wage employment who are willing to perform manual, unskilled labor. The program is entirely funded by the central government, which provides food grains to the participating states at no cost. However, states are responsible for covering the costs of transportation, handling, and taxes on the grains.
• The main focus of the NFFWP is on projects related to water conservation, drought-proofing (including afforestation and tree plantation), and land development. Other areas of emphasis include flood control and protection (such as drainage systems in waterlogged areas), rural connectivity through the construction of all-weather roads, and other region-specific activities aimed at achieving economic sustainability. However, the primary focus of the program must remain on water conservation and drought-proofing efforts.

Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP)

The Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP), launched in 1995, aims to create self-employment opportunities in rural areas and small towns. Implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the program allows entrepreneurs to establish village industries by availing margin money assistance from KVIC and bank loans for projects with a maximum cost of Rs 25 lakh. Since its inception, REGP has financed 1,86,252 projects and created 22.75 lakh job opportunities. The program has set a target of creating 25 lakh new jobs during the Tenth Plan, with 8.32 lakh employment opportunities already created during 2003-04.

• Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY): Introduced in 2000, the Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY) provides Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to state governments and Union Territories for delivering basic minimum services in villages such as primary health, primary education, rural shelter, rural drinking water supply, nutrition, and rural electrification. The target group and other criteria are the same as those applicable under the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY). The Government of India provides the entire funds for the scheme.
• National Programme on Improved Chulah: The National Programme on Improved Chulah is a fully centrally sponsored program with the main objective of preventing deforestation for cooking purposes, eliminating health and hygiene hazards for women, and reducing drudgery in fuel collection and cooking. The scheme is implemented through district administrations, with a village-wise approach suggested for implementation.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY): Launched in December 2000, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) provides food grains at highly subsidized rates to poor families under the Targeted Public Distribution System. The scheme initially covered one crore families, which was expanded in June 2003 to include another 50 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme was further expanded in August 2004 to cover another 50 lakh BPL families, bringing the total to 2 crore families covered under AAY.
• Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY): The Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana (PMRY), launched in 1993, aims to provide self-employment opportunities to educated unemployed youth by assisting them in setting up economically viable activities. So far, about 20 lakh units have been set up under PMRY, generating 30.4 lakh additional employment opportunities.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Launched in December 2000, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme aimed at improving rural road connectivity. The program seeks to provide all-weather road connectivity to all unconnected habitations in rural areas with a population of more than 500 by the end of the Tenth Plan period (2007). In hill states, desert areas, and tribal areas, the objective is to connect habitations with a population of 250 and above.

Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY)

Indira Awaas Yojana is a social welfare program initiated by the Indian government in 1985 to provide housing assistance to the rural poor. The scheme was designed to cater to the housing needs of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other economically weaker sections of the society. The main features of this scheme are:

• Allocation of funds: A minimum of 60% of the funds is allocated for the construction of houses for SC/ST people, while 3% of funds are reserved for disabled persons living below the poverty line in rural areas.
• Beneficiary selection: The allocation of houses is done in the name of the female member of the beneficiary family or in the joint names of husband and wife.
• Integrated facilities: Sanitary latrine and smokeless chulhas (stoves) are integral to an IAY house.
• Financial assistance: Assistance for the construction of new houses is provided at the rate of Rs. 20,000 for plains and Rs. 22,000 per unit in hilly/difficult areas.
• Target beneficiaries: The main beneficiaries of the scheme are the poorest people, including SC/ST, non-SC/ST living below the poverty line, widows, and kin of defense personnel killed in action.

Rural Landless Employment Programme (RLEGP)

This program was launched in rural areas in 1983 to create employment opportunities, construct productive projects, and improve rural life. However, due to a lack of resources, the guarantee aspect of the program could not be implemented. Under this program, funds were allocated for social forestry, Indira Awaas Yojana, and the Million Wells Scheme. This program was merged with Jawahar Rozgar Yojana in 1989-90.

Credit Cum Subsidy Scheme for Rural Housing
This scheme aims to facilitate the construction of houses for all rural households with an annual income of up to Rs. 32,000, with a preference given to those below the poverty line. Launched in 1999, the funds are shared between the central and state governments in a 75:25 ratio. The implementing agencies can be state housing boards, housing corporations, scheduled commercial banks, housing finance institutions, or the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)/Zila Parishad (ZP).

Rural Building Centres (RBCs)
The Ministry of Rural Development launched a scheme in 1999 to establish a network of Rural Building Centres across rural areas. These centres provide access to appropriate technologies and capacity building for affordable housing. RBCs can be set up by state government rural development agencies, NGOs, private entrepreneurs, professional associations, autonomous institutions, and corporate bodies, including public sector agencies. The primary objectives of RBCs are:

• Technology transfer and information dissemination
• Skill upgradation through training
• Production of cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials and components

Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)

Water quality in rural drinking water supply has emerged as a major issue in India. The RGNDWM, formerly known as the National Drinking Water Mission, was launched in 1986 to address this issue. The mission's primary objectives are:

• Monitoring water quality: Identifying problems and ensuring that the water available is of acceptable quality.
• Sustainability: Ensuring that the quantity and quality of water are sustainable on a long-term basis through proper water management techniques and implementation of management information systems.
• Awareness and education: Educating the public on the conservation of water quantity and quality through awareness campaigns, community participation, and health education programs.

Appropriate rural housing ensures shelter, sanitation and drinking water

Samagra Awaas Yojana (SAY)

Samagra Awaas Yojana is a comprehensive housing scheme launched in 1999-2000, aimed at improving the quality of life of people in rural areas by providing integrated shelter, sanitation, and drinking water. The scheme aims to bring together activities that were previously run separately and ensure their suitable and sustainable induction of technology and innovative ideas. The scheme is proposed to be implemented in rural areas all over India, with the first phase covering one block each of 25 districts in 24 states and one union territory.
Salient Features of Samagra Awaas Yojana

• Strengthening rural housing schemes: The scheme aims to strengthen existing rural housing schemes by providing higher allocations in consultation with State Governments and district administrations.
• Rural Building Centers: To encourage cost-effective and environmentally friendly building materials, technologies, and designs, one Rural Building Centre will be set up in each of the selected blocks.
• Housing finance and credit schemes: To improve housing stock and availability of housing finance, Credit cum Subsidy Scheme of the Ministry of Rural Development, Golden Jubilee Rural Housing Scheme of National Housing Bank, and rural housing schemes of HUDCO and State Rural Housing will be implemented on a priority basis with regular monitoring.
• Drinking water and sanitation convergence: Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission has proposed to set up sanitary marts in these districts to ensure the convergence of drinking water and sanitation programs.
• Infrastructure development: Funds available under Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana and EAS will be used to ensure the accelerated development of road drainage, etc.
• Environmental improvement: The scheme proposes to tap the existing resources of Departments of Forest and Horticulture of the state government for afforestation and popularization of kitchen gardens.
• Use of non-conventional energy sources: The scheme encourages the use of biogas and solar energy in the selected blocks with existing schemes from the Department of Non-Conventional Energy Resources.
• Skill upgradation for professionals: Special training programs for skill upgradation for sector professionals through organizations like NIRD HUDCO, etc., are proposed to be organized.

Rural Water Supply Programme (RWSP) and Swajaldhara

The Government of India has allocated massive financial and technical inputs to rural water supply (RWS) and sanitation programs over the decades. The Sector Reform Project (SRP) was initiated in 1999 to address the challenges faced by the RWS sector. Swajaldhara, launched in 2002, scaled up the efforts throughout the country. The program is based on a demand-responsive approach with community participation, empowering villagers to make decisions in the implementation and management of drinking water projects.

Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP)

ARWSP was introduced in 1972-73 to assist States and Union Territories (UTs) in accelerating the coverage of drinking water supply. With the National Agenda of Governance setting an objective to achieve universal coverage of all rural villages with drinking water supply by March 2004, the allocation under ARWSP increased substantially from Rs 1,715 crore in 1999-2000 to Rs 2,900 crore in 2004-05.

• Haryali: aryali is a nationwide Watershed Development Programme aimed at conserving water for drinking, fisheries, and afforestation by allowing villagers to undertake small works. This not only adds to the rural landscape but also creates new employment opportunities. The program is to be implemented by Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Sub Mission Project for Safe Water to Rural India: To provide safe water to rural India, exclusive Sub Mission projects were initiated for both preventive and remedial measures for water quality problems. These Sub Missions include Eradication of Guinea worm, Control of Brackishness, Removal of Excess Iron, Control of Fluorosis, and Control of Arsenic. The Government of India supports all quality-based Sub Mission projects, with 75% of the cost being borne by the central government and the remaining 25% by the state governments.

Conclusion

The Indian government has implemented numerous rural development programs over the years to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, housing, water supply, and sanitation. These programs have made significant strides in improving the overall living conditions of rural populations, empowering local communities, and creating sustainable income-generating opportunities. By integrating various schemes under holistic development initiatives, such as Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), the government has streamlined its efforts and maximized the impact of its interventions. Going forward, it is crucial for the government to continue refining and expanding these programs, ensuring that they remain responsive to the evolving needs of India's rural communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Rural And Agrarian Transformation In India

What is the main objective of the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)?

The main objective of the SGSY is to uplift the rural poor, referred to as Swarozgaries, above the poverty line by providing them with sustained income-generation opportunities through group-based activities, revolving funds, training, credit, technology, infrastructure, and marketing.

How does the National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP) aim to benefit rural individuals in need of wage employment?

The NFFWP is designed to benefit rural individuals in need of wage employment by providing sustainable resources, both monetary and in the form of food grains, to create additional employment opportunities and build productive assets in the 150 most underdeveloped districts in India.

What is the main focus of the Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP)?

The main focus of the REGP is to create self-employment opportunities in rural areas and small towns by allowing entrepreneurs to establish village industries by availing margin money assistance from KVIC and bank loans for projects with a maximum cost of Rs 25 lakh.

What are the primary objectives of the Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM)?

The primary objectives of the RGNDWM are monitoring water quality, ensuring sustainability of water quantity and quality through proper water management techniques, and educating the public on the conservation of water quantity and quality through awareness campaigns, community participation, and health education programs.

What is the main aim of the Samagra Awaas Yojana (SAY)?

The main aim of the Samagra Awaas Yojana is to improve the quality of life of people in rural areas by providing integrated shelter, sanitation, and drinking water through the convergence of various programs and schemes related to housing, infrastructure, and natural resources.