NEW INITIATIVES

1. Paradigm shift in the strategy for rural development : Emphasis towards participation of people through panchayat Raj Institutios(PRIs),Self Help Groups in the planning,formulation and execution of the Programmes.

2. Enhanced allocation of funds: To ensure adequate budgetary support,allocations for Rural development Programmes enhanced to Rs.13670 crore in 2002 - 2003 from Rs.12265 crore in 2001-2002.Allocations further increased to Rs.14070 crore for the year 2003-2004.

3. Promoting decentralization to ensure participatory development: Ministry is striving to make Panchayat Raj Institutions an effective and vibrant forum for decentralized planning and implementation of rural developement programmes in consonance with the people's hopes and aspirations.

  • On 25 th December ,2002 ,a new initiative 'swajaldhara'     launched to empower panchayats to formulate,implement, operate  and maintain drinking water Projects.                                       
  • In order to further involve PRIs in development process,a new initiative 'Hariyali' launched on 27 th january,2003 to strengthen and involve Panchayati Raj Institutions in the implementation of Watershed Development Programmes.

4. Capacity Building of Rural Poor through Strengthening of Infrastructure : The incidence of poverty is not only because of absence of requisite economic development,but also due to absence of opportunities to the poor for their capacity building such as lack of avenues for employment and access to basic amenities like drinking water ,housing,education and roads.Various Programmes of the ministry strive to address these issues.

5. Rejuvenating Wastelands/degraded lands : Through Area Development Programmes such as Integrated Wastelands Development Programme,Drought Prone Areas Programme and  Desert Development Programme being implemented on watershed developement basis.

6. Facilitating participatory development through awarness generation : Communication planning is an integral part of planning for development.Concerted efforts made to disseminate infrmation to people in rural areas about nature and content of Rural Development Programmes.