Latest news with #GrameenBharatMahotsav2025
News18
24-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Decoding PM Modi's Rural Empowerment Drive And The Politics Of Development
Last Updated: With a 'whole-of-government' push, the Centre aims to reshape rural India into a hub of opportunity and prosperity under Viksit Bharat 2047 Prime Minister Modi headed the 10th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting, 'Viksit Bharat 2047', to discuss rural development, expansion of the Aspirational Blocks Programme, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories, along with their respective Lieutenant Governors, were present. Deliberations were held on the country's roadmap to achieving the Modi government's 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision. The overarching theme of 'Viksit Bharat' is intertwined with the aspiration of a developed rural India. The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, themed 'Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047', links the prosperity of villages to the nation's progress, encapsulated in the motto, 'Village grows, the country grows". The objective is to empower rural populations by converting villages into dynamic centres of growth, offering opportunities, mitigating outward migration, and enhancing the quality of life. There is a dual approach to rural empowerment under the Viksit Bharat initiative, focusing on both foundational infrastructure and economic enablement. Universal toilet access under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the construction of pucca houses via the PM Awas Yojana, and the provision of clean drinking water through the Jal Jeevan Mission have ensured basic amenities. With approximately 4 lakh kilometres of rural roads constructed over the past decade under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, connectivity has also been bolstered. Over 94 per cent of rural households now have access to telephones, mobile banking, and UPI, integrating rural India into the modern economy. Common Service Centres have expanded to 5 lakh from fewer than 1 lakh before 2014. They provide online access to numerous government services, aiding village development and generating employment opportunities. These advancements are foundational to creating an environment for rural prosperity and well-being. Economic revitalisation has received significant focus. Approximately Rs 3 lakh crore has been disbursed under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi; agricultural loans have also seen a substantial increase, and many Kisan Credit Cards have been issued to provide financial support to farmers. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have been promoted to ensure better market access and prices for agricultural produce. Efforts are also underway to promote natural farming and diversify rural incomes through improved irrigation and the creation of rural enterprises. The strategy actively seeks to promote non-agricultural livelihoods as well. It involves establishing service-sector-based manufacturing hubs in smaller towns and expanding opportunities within the MSME and informal sectors in rural areas. The Vishwakarma Yojana scheme helps support traditional crafts. Furthermore, rural MSMEs have reportedly benefited from schemes providing collateral-free loans and support for start-ups. The inclusion of green economy opportunities, particularly in renewable energy, is another area for job creation and sustainable growth. Human Development and the Political Narrative Access to healthcare facilities through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and the benefits of telemedicine in rural areas have increased. Concurrently, education facilities have been bolstered as part of the Viksit Bharat mission. Since 2014, improvements in educational access have led to increased enrolment, including a significant rise in female enrolment, and enhanced research output from higher education institutions. However, the political discourse surrounding human development, particularly education and health, is evolving. As basic infrastructure becomes more widespread, political focus is shifting towards issues of quality of life, positioning education, health, climate change, and the environment as potential areas for political mobilisation by the opposition. While the government highlights progress, the opposition seeks to delegitimise that progress by politicising the nature of development. Implementation Challenges and Future Trajectory The year 2047, as envisioned by the Modi government, is to mark the transformation of rural India into an epicentre of economic activity. The 'whole-of-government' approach, with seamless coordination across various ministries and levels of government, is ensuring that the vision progresses towards its objectives. 'Development from the periphery', focusing on empowering border regions and rural fringes, is a highlight of a government working for the people and reaching the most hard-to-reach villages. The long-term impact hinges on overcoming entrenched issues such as regional disparities, skill gaps, and ensuring the sustainability of economic activities in rural areas. However, achievements such as the reduction in rural poverty and the empowerment of women through initiatives like Lakhpati Didis show that we are moving in the right direction. First Published:
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pawan holds Maata-Manthi with Ravivalasa villagers
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan interacted with residents of Ravivalasa village in the Tekkali constituency of Srikakulam district on Thursday as part of Maata-Manthi (a conversation), an initiative by the Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (PR&RD) Department aimed at involving citizens in the development of villages and understanding their issues firsthand. In a message on 'X,' 'Maata-Manthi-a New Era in Participatory Rural Development. Technology has united the world in a global village where miles could be reached in moments and conversations flow effortlessly. With the intention of directly involving citizens in the development of villages and understanding their issues firsthand.' The villagers of Ravivalasa were brought to a theatre in Tekkali. Through a live video conference from the Camp Office, Mr. Kalyan interacted with them and heard their concerns, suggestions, and developmental needs . Mr. Kalyan said, 'Issues that could be resolved immediately were addressed with the officials present. Required approvals were given instantly. For matters that require more time, the respective departments were requested to take them up with defined timelines for execution'. Mr. Kalyan further added that he was deeply moved by the enthusiasm and clarity with which the people of Ravivalasa came forward to convey their hopes and concerns. He said: 'I observed that the people did not just speak but took ownership of the future of their village, reflecting the true spirit of democracy.' The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that the Maata-Manthi initiative was not just a programme but a step forward in realising the vision of Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein the voice of every village is heard and respected. Mr. Kalyan thanked Agriculture Minister and Tekkali MLA K. Atchannaidu, officials of the PR&RD and Rural Water Supply Departments, and the people of Ravivalasa for making the effort meaningful.
India Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Andhra Pradesh to use local theatres for video meets to hear villagers' concerns
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government has begun using public theatres as a platform to directly engage with rural citizens and address their grievances. The state's Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department launched the special outreach programme, 'Maata-Manthi', with the aim of involving villagers in developmental efforts and listening to their concerns part of the programme, residents of Ravivalasa village in the Tekkali constituency of Srikakulam district were today invited to a local theatre in Tekkali. From the Camp Office, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan interacted with the residents via live video conference, listening to their suggestions and developmental needs. advertisementConcerns that could be addressed immediately were resolved in coordination with officials who were present, with required approvals given on the spot. Issues that required more time were forwarded to the respective departments with defined timelines for implementation. Speaking to the public during the event, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said, 'I was deeply moved by the enthusiasm and clarity with which the people of Ravivalasa came forward to express their concerns and hopes. They didn't just speak, they took ownership of their village's future, which reflects the true spirit of democracy.'In a post on X, he further said, 'I strongly believe that this initiative is not just a program, it's a step forward in realising the vision of 'Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025', as envisioned by Hon'ble Prime Minister Sri @narendramodi Ji, where the voice of every village is heard and respected.'advertisementPawan Kalyan also expressed gratitude to the Minister for Agriculture and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Tekkali, K Atchannaidu, as well as officials from the Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Rural Water Supply (RWS) departments. 'Above all,' he added, 'the people of Ravivalasa village — your support and sincerity made this effort truly meaningful.' IN THIS STORY#Andhra Pradesh
