Context
Union Budget allocations for Rural Development have increased by over 211% in the last decade, showing sustained focus on strengthening local institutions, rural infrastructure, and livelihoods.
Institutions
- Shift from welfare delivery to decentralised partnerships — Jal Jeevan Mission uses Panchayats and SHGs, achieving 99.6% rural tap water coverage.
- Community institutions for last-mile delivery — e.g., Model Youth Gram Sabha for grassroots governance exposure.
- Women-led SHGs under DAY-National Rural Livelihoods Mission drive local economic mobilisation.
- Direct fiscal transfers to Panchayats rose by ~85% under the 16th Finance Commission.
- Institutional capacity and e-governance strengthened via Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.
Investment
- Higher allocations for rural housing and connectivity through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, improving access and living standards.
Inclusion
- Economic inclusion via Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 — 125 days assured employment linked to asset creation.
- Market inclusion through Lakhpati Didi and proposed SHE-Marts for women-led enterprises.
- Digital & property rights strengthened by SVAMITVA and Namo Drone Didi.
