Development

non-agricultural employment is
another way of improving the
incomes and standard of living of
people. Increasing female literacy
and strengthening their social
capabilities must be high on
development agenda. Education
and awareness programmes will
ensure a greater participation of
people in development.
Expenditure on HD should be
increased and for effectively
utilizing the opportunity under 371
(j), adequate number of staff needs
to be appointed. Since the number
of women and SCs and STs is
relatively higher in the district, the
benefits of all programmes must be
directed to them. Their development
will enhance the district’s
development.
A fourpronged strategy for the
overall development of the district
is suggested, the components of
which are:
Increased Employment
Generation: Providing gainful
employment to the rapidly rising
population has to be the first
priority. While construction
activities and resource development
activities can be better avenues for
the unskilled workers, promoting
rural entrepreneurship may be a
desired means to tap the rural
educated but unemployed youth.
In the urban areas, jobs suitable to
women need to be generated.
Increasing literacy and deepening
skills is a necessary condition for
this.
Enhancing Agricultural
productivity: Strengthening
agricultural infrastructure,
research and extension can
increase agricultural productivity.
The district has not only a large
area under canal irrigation but also
suffers from water stress.
Promoting efficient water
management can resolve the issue.
Increased agricultural productivity
also promotes non-agricultural
development.
Strengthening Infrastructure: The
focus needs to be on ensuring safe
drinking water and better
sanitation to all people. Good
housing, health and education
facilities also should be part of this
strategy.
Effective Provisioning of Basic
Services and Infrastructure:
Governance plays an important role
here. With illiteracy being higher,
the administrative machinery
needs to be proactive in adopting
good practices and innovative
interventions in reaching the
people. Promoting private public
partnership and using technology
to implement and monitor
programmes can bring in effective
people’s involvement in
development. Recruitment of
adequate staff is the most essential
requirement for this.
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