Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

WHY IN NEWS?

4th anniversary of the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission was observed. It was launched from Kurubhat in Rajnandgaon District of Chhattisgarh on 21st February 2016.

ABOUT SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJI RURBAN MISSION

• Launched in 2016, the programme is designed to deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of growth.
• It is now a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. Funding: Shared between the Centre and the State in a ratio of 60:40 for Plain area States and 90:10 for Himalayan and NE States.
• The Mission aims at development of 300 Rurban clusters, in five years. The objective is to give a boost to economic activities, skill development and infrastructure amenities in the regions.
• Development: Under the mission, the Central government in coordination with the district administration has taken measures to bring about multi-layered phased development of the rural gram panchayats and villages on the lines of urban cities with proper civic amenities keeping the soul of villages intact.

ABOUT RURBAN AREAS

• A ‘Rurban cluster’, would be a cluster of geographically contiguous villages with a population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and with a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas. These clusters typically illustrate potential for growth, have economic drivers and derive locational and competitive advantages.
• The larger outcomes envisaged under this Mission are:
• Bridging the rural-urban divide-viz: economic, technological and those related to facilities and services.
• Stimulating local economic development with emphasis on reduction of poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
• Spreading development in the region.
• Attracting investment in rural areas.

Prelims Question

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission:
1.It is a Central Sector Scheme.
2.A ‘Rurban cluster’, would be a cluster of geographically contiguous villages with a population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and with a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a)1 only
b)2 only
c)Both 1 and 2
d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to the Prelims Question