The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) has reported significant positive results over the course of four years, according to India’s Lok Sabha. Launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in 2016, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) was designed to bring integrated project-based infrastructure to rural areas, while also bolstering economic activities and skill development.
Previous Initiatives and Objectives
SPMRM follows in the footsteps of the Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA), which was announced in 2003. Both schemes share a common objective: bridging the rural-urban divide on economic, technological, facility, and service fronts.
Rural Scenario in India
As reported by the 2011 Census, there are over 600,000 villages and around 7,000 towns and urban centres in India. The rural population stands at 69%, while the urban population accounts for the remaining 31%. Despite the majority residing in rural areas, agricultural activity accounts for only 14% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A substantial portion of the population continues to rely on farming, which is comparatively less productive. In contrast, the industrial and services sectors which predominantly employ urban dwellers contribute 26% and 60% to the GDP respectively.
About ‘Rurban’ Clusters
Many rural settlements across India are part of potential growth clusters. These ‘Rurban’ clusters display signs of increasing urbanization, such as rising population density, high levels of non-farm employment, and burgeoning economic activities. Recognizing this, the government launched SPMRM to develop these rural areas by providing economic, social, and physical infrastructure facilities.
Non-Tribal and Tribal Rurban Clusters
Non-tribal and tribal Rurban clusters are identified across India’s rural landscapes. These clusters include 15 to 20 villages, each housing a population of around 30 to 40 lakh. Geographic continuity is maintained with Gram Panchayats in plains and coastal areas having populations between 25,000 to 50,000, and those in desert, hilly or tribal areas hosting 5,000 to 15,000 inhabitants.
The Role of State Governments
State Governments are charged with identifying these clusters according to the Implementation Framework provided by the MoRD. Cluster selection involves a scientific process that analyses demography, economy, tourism, pilgrimage significance, and transportation corridor impact at district, sub-district, and village levels.
Progress and Significance
To date, out of 300 Rurban clusters, States and Union Territories have developed 291 Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs) and 282 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). As a result, 55% of the projected works, totalling 76,973, have either been completed or are nearing completion. The growth clusters under SPMRM are instrumental in reducing urban migration by ensuring adequate infrastructure and utilities, and promoting industrialisation.
Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA)
Former President Dr. Abdul Kalam mooted PURA in January 2003 to empower and accelerate rural development. Revamped as PURA 2.0 in 2012, the scheme focussed on developing potential growth centres such as census towns. The mission sought to provide livelihood opportunities and urban amenities in rural areas, improving the quality of life while bridging the rural-urban divide.
Under the PURA initiative, amenities and economic activities such as water and sewerage, construction and maintenance of village streets, drainage, solid waste management, skill development, village street lighting, telecom, electricity generation, and village-linked tourism were provided.
