Report of the Committee on Restructuring DRDA. - Ministry of Rural ...

4.3 The strategies and programmes were expanded considerably in <strong>the</strong>
1980’s and 1990’s. An important development was <strong>the</strong> increased importance
given to <strong>the</strong> provision <strong>of</strong> basic minimum needs like housing, sanitation, drinking
water, and rural connectivity. Simultaneously regeneration <strong>of</strong> natural resources
also gained in importance and waste land development and watershed
management programmes were formulated.
4.4 After <strong>the</strong> initial days <strong>of</strong> liberalization in <strong>the</strong> 90’s, <strong>the</strong> realization that
<strong>the</strong>re was a great and growing divide between haves and have-nots, and <strong>the</strong>
can-haves and cannot-haves which was dangerous in all senses – social, political
and economical - came to be generally recognized.
4.5 In <strong>the</strong> second half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 90’s, and, <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> previous decade
several large schemes intended primarily for rural areas were launched by
Government <strong>of</strong> India. Interestingly <strong>the</strong>y focused more on <strong>the</strong> poor and less on
agriculture per se. Also <strong>the</strong>ir scope and coverage embraced <strong>the</strong> critical sectors
related to holistic rural development – economic development, social
development, human development and infrastructure development. Schemes
like SGSY (now NRLM), MGNREGS, SSA, NRHM, expanded ICDS, PDS, Social
assistance programmes, PMGSY, RGGVY, NRDWM, all testify to this variety and
sweep.
4.6 In <strong>the</strong> last five years, <strong>the</strong>re has been a paradigm shift in respect <strong>of</strong>
development. The society and <strong>the</strong> nation are moving towards realization <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> ideal <strong>of</strong> rights-based development. Right to education has been realised
though not fully operationalized. Right to work is a functioning entitlement;
right to food is in <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fing; right to livelihood and right to social security are
not far away.
4.7 At this point <strong>of</strong> time, “Rural Development” should mean all round
integrated development <strong>of</strong> rural areas with stress on closing <strong>the</strong> various divides:
a) Spatial divides - both urban – rural and intra-rural
b) Social divides including gender, class, caste and community
c) Economic divides
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