Unit-1

Concepts of Rural Development

Rural Development is a broad and multi-dimensional concept that focuses on improving the
living standards, economic conditions, and overall well-being of people residing in rural
areas. It involves systematic efforts to uplift rural communities through infrastructure
development, social welfare programs, agricultural growth, and livelihood opportunities.

Key Aspects of Rural Development:

1. Holistic Improvement of Rural Life

o Rural development goes beyond economic growth to include improvements in
health, education, sanitation, and governance.
2. Agricultural and Economic Growth
o Since agriculture is the backbone of rural economies, rural development
emphasizes modernizing farming techniques, increasing productivity, and
promoting allied activities such as animal husbandry, fisheries, and agro-based
industries.
3. Infrastructure Development
o Enhancing rural roads, electricity, drinking water, sanitation, and
telecommunication facilities ensures better connectivity and accessibility,
improving the quality of life in rural areas.
4. Employment and Livelihood Generation
o Rural development focuses on creating diverse employment opportunities
through skill development, entrepreneurship, and promotion of micro, small,
and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
5. Poverty Alleviation and Social Welfare
o Implementing welfare schemes and financial assistance programs help uplift
the weaker sections of society, ensuring economic security and stability.
6. Education and Skill Development
o Providing access to quality education and vocational training enables rural
populations to gain skills that enhance employability and self-sufficiency.
7. Community Participation and Governance
o Rural development is most effective when local communities are actively
involved in decision-making, implementation, and monitoring of policies and
programs.
8. Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection
o Conservation of natural resources, adoption of eco-friendly agricultural
practices, and promotion of renewable energy sources are integral to
sustainable rural development.

Basic Elements of Rural Development

Rural development is a comprehensive process that aims to improve the living standards,
economic conditions, and overall well-being of rural communities. It involves various
interconnected elements that ensure sustainable growth, poverty reduction, and social
upliftment. The key elements of rural development include:
1. Improvement in Quality of Life

Rural development focuses on enhancing the quality of life by providing basic amenities such
as:

 Housing – Affordable and durable housing for rural families.

 Sanitation – Access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities.
 Healthcare – Availability of primary healthcare centers, hospitals, and medical
facilities.
 Education – Access to quality education and vocational training.

By improving these aspects, rural development ensures better living standards and reduced
socio-economic disparities between urban and rural areas.

2. Increase in Employment Opportunities

Unemployment and underemployment are major challenges in rural areas. Rural development
promotes job creation through:

 Agriculture and Allied Activities – Enhancing agricultural productivity and

promoting allied activities like animal husbandry, fisheries, and sericulture.
 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) – Encouraging small-scale
industries and entrepreneurship.
 Skill Development Programs – Providing vocational training and skill enhancement
programs to make rural youth employable.
 Self-Employment Initiatives – Promoting self-help groups (SHGs), cooperatives,
and microfinance institutions.

Employment generation helps reduce poverty and enhances economic security.

3. Agricultural and Industrial Growth

Agriculture is the backbone of rural economies, and its growth is crucial for overall rural
development. Key initiatives include:

 Modernization of Agriculture – Introducing improved farming techniques,

mechanization, and better irrigation facilities.
 Diversification of Crops – Encouraging farmers to grow a variety of crops to reduce
dependence on a single crop.
 Agricultural Marketing and Storage – Developing better storage facilities and
providing access to markets.
 Promotion of Rural Industries – Encouraging cottage industries, handicrafts, and
agro-based industries to boost rural employment.

A strong agricultural sector ensures food security, income generation, and economic stability.
4. Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection

Rural development must be environmentally sustainable to ensure long-term growth. This

includes:

 Soil and Water Conservation – Implementing watershed management and

afforestation programs.
 Organic Farming – Promoting natural farming techniques to reduce chemical
dependency.
 Renewable Energy – Encouraging the use of solar, wind, and biogas energy.
 Climate Resilience – Implementing measures to protect rural communities from
climate change impacts.

By adopting sustainable practices, rural areas can thrive without depleting natural resources.

5. Social and Economic Equity

Rural development aims to bridge the economic and social gaps within rural populations by:

 Reducing Poverty – Implementing welfare schemes for marginalized communities.

 Women Empowerment – Promoting gender equality through education,
employment, and financial inclusion.
 Access to Financial Services – Encouraging rural banking, microfinance, and credit
availability.
 Inclusion of Marginalized Communities – Providing special support for Scheduled
Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and other backward classes (OBCs).

Social inclusion ensures that development benefits reach every section of society.

6. Community Participation and Governance

Active participation of rural communities in decision-making and governance enhances the

success of rural development initiatives. Key aspects include:

 Panchayati Raj System – Strengthening local governance through decentralized

administration.
 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) – Encouraging collective efforts for economic
empowerment.
 Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Collaborating with private organizations for
infrastructure and livelihood programs.
 Transparency and Accountability – Ensuring effective implementation of rural
development policies.

Community-driven development fosters self-reliance and ensures that programs address the
actual needs of rural populations.

7. Rural Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in rural development by improving connectivity,
accessibility, and overall economic growth. Key areas of focus include:

 Roads and Transport – Developing rural roads and improving transportation

facilities.
 Electricity and Power Supply – Ensuring electrification of rural areas for domestic
and industrial use.
 Telecommunication and Internet Access – Bridging the digital divide through
mobile and internet penetration.
 Irrigation Facilities – Providing water management solutions to enhance agricultural
productivity.

Importance of Rural Development for Creation of Sustainable Livelihoods

Rural development plays a vital role in fostering sustainable livelihoods by improving

economic opportunities, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring social welfare. It creates
conditions that allow rural populations to sustain themselves economically and socially
without degrading the environment or over-exploiting resources. Sustainable livelihoods
enable rural communities to achieve long-term economic stability, self-reliance, and
resilience to external shocks.

1. Poverty Reduction and Economic Stability

One of the primary goals of rural development is to reduce poverty by increasing income-
generating opportunities. This is achieved through:

 Employment Generation – Creating jobs in agriculture, allied sectors, rural industries, and
service sectors.
 Microfinance and Credit Facilities – Providing rural households with access to financial
services to start businesses and invest in productivity-enhancing tools.
 Entrepreneurship Development – Encouraging small businesses, self-help groups (SHGs),
and cooperatives to promote self-employment.

By ensuring that rural populations have a stable income, rural development helps break the
cycle of poverty and enhances overall economic stability.

2. Enhancement of Agricultural Productivity

Since agriculture is the backbone of rural livelihoods, rural development ensures increased
productivity and profitability through:

 Modernization of Farming Techniques – Introduction of mechanized farming, improved

seeds, and better irrigation facilities.
 Diversification of Crops and Livelihoods – Encouraging farmers to cultivate a variety of
crops and engage in allied activities such as dairy farming, fisheries, and poultry farming.
 Access to Markets and Value Addition – Establishing better market linkages, cold storage
facilities, and food processing units to enhance farmers’ income.

Improved agricultural practices ensure food security, higher earnings, and economic
sustainability for rural communities.
3. Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Rural development promotes environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural

resources to ensure long-term livelihood security. Key measures include:

 Water Conservation and Irrigation Efficiency – Encouraging watershed management and

drip irrigation to optimize water use.
 Soil Fertility Management – Promoting organic farming and balanced fertilizer use to
maintain soil health.
 Afforestation and Renewable Energy Use – Encouraging tree plantation, use of solar
energy, and bio-gas plants to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources.

By promoting sustainable practices, rural development helps preserve resources for future
generations while ensuring continuous livelihood opportunities.

4. Rural Industrialization and Skill Development

To reduce dependency on agriculture and provide alternative livelihood options, rural

development supports industrial growth and skill enhancement. Key initiatives include:

 Promotion of Rural Industries and Handicrafts – Encouraging small-scale industries,

textile production, and handicrafts to create jobs.
 Skill Development Programs – Training rural youth in various trades such as carpentry,
plumbing, tailoring, and computer skills to improve employability.
 Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Collaborating with industries to set up training centers
and create job opportunities in rural areas.

By diversifying income sources, rural development ensures that rural populations can sustain
themselves even during agricultural downturns.

5. Development of Rural Infrastructure

Infrastructure plays a crucial role in creating sustainable livelihoods by improving access to

essential services and markets. Key components include:

 Rural Roads and Connectivity – Better roads and transportation networks allow farmers and
entrepreneurs to access markets and resources.
 Electrification and Digital Connectivity – Expanding electricity and internet access enables
the use of modern technology in agriculture, education, and businesses.
 Water Supply and Sanitation – Providing clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to
improve health and productivity.

With better infrastructure, rural communities can access economic opportunities, healthcare,
and education, leading to sustainable development.

6. Women Empowerment and Social Inclusion

Empowering women and marginalized communities is critical for achieving sustainable

livelihoods. Rural development ensures:
  Access to Financial Services for Women – Encouraging women-led self-help groups
(SHGs) and micro-enterprises.
 Educational and Skill Training for Women – Enabling women to participate in various
economic activities.
 Social Equity Programs – Ensuring that marginalized groups have access to education,
healthcare, and job opportunities.

When women and disadvantaged groups are economically empowered, overall rural
development becomes more inclusive and sustainable.

7. Social Security and Welfare Measures

To protect rural populations from economic uncertainties and health crises, rural development
includes various social security measures such as:

 Employment Guarantee Schemes (e.g., MGNREGA) – Providing assured employment

opportunities in rural infrastructure projects.
 Health Insurance and Pension Schemes – Ensuring medical and old-age security for rural
families.
 Food Security Programs (e.g., PDS, Mid-Day Meal Scheme) – Providing subsidized food
grains and nutritious meals to prevent malnutrition.

These measures safeguard rural populations from falling into extreme poverty and create a
secure environment for sustainable livelihoods.

8. Rural Governance and Community Participation

For rural development initiatives to be effective, community participation and good

governance are essential. This includes:

 Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions – Empowering local self-governance bodies to

make decisions based on community needs.
 Participatory Rural Development – Involving communities in planning and implementing
development programs.
 Monitoring and Accountability – Ensuring transparency in rural development projects to
prevent corruption and mismanagement.

An Overview of Policies and Programmes for Rural Development

Rural development is a key priority for governments worldwide, as it ensures economic

growth, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods. In India, various policies and
programmes have been designed to promote rural development, particularly in the
agricultural sector, as agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for a large portion of
the rural population.

Programmes in the Agricultural Sector

Agriculture plays a crucial role in rural development, and the government has implemented
several initiatives to enhance productivity, ensure food security, and improve farmers'
incomes. These programmes aim to modernize agriculture, provide financial support, and
promote sustainable farming practices.
1. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) – Focus on Irrigation

Objective:

 To ensure access to irrigation facilities for every farm ("Har Khet Ko Pani").
 To promote efficient water use through better irrigation practices.

Key Features:

 Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): Focuses on expediting large irrigation

projects.
 Per Drop More Crop: Encourages micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler systems) to enhance
water efficiency.
 Watershed Development: Implements soil and water conservation projects to improve water
retention.

Impact:

 Helps increase agricultural productivity by ensuring adequate water supply.

 Promotes water conservation, reducing dependency on erratic rainfall.

2. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) – Boosting Agricultural Growth

Objective:

 To incentivize states to increase agricultural investments and ensure holistic agricultural

development.

Key Features:

 Provides financial assistance for modern farming techniques, seed development, and
extension services.
 Supports infrastructure development in agriculture, including storage and cold chains.
 Funds research and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Impact:

 Enhances agricultural productivity and promotes farmer-friendly technologies.

 Encourages state governments to prioritize agriculture in their development plans.

3. Soil Health Card Scheme – Enhancing Soil Fertility

Objective:

 To promote balanced and sustainable soil health management.

 To provide farmers with soil health reports and nutrient recommendations.
Key Features:

 Farmers receive a Soil Health Card detailing nutrient status and appropriate fertilizers to use.
 Conducts soil testing and provides recommendations to improve soil productivity.

Impact:

 Reduces excessive fertilizer usage and improves crop yields sustainably.

 Helps farmers make informed decisions on soil and crop management.

4. National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) – Digital Market for Farmers

Objective:

 To provide a unified online marketplace for farmers to sell their produce at competitive
prices.

Key Features:

 Connects existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to an electronic trading

platform.
 Facilitates transparent price discovery and reduces middlemen exploitation.
 Farmers can access real-time price information and sell their produce across multiple markets.

Impact:

 Enhances farmers’ bargaining power by providing wider market access.

 Reduces price fluctuations and ensures fair remuneration for agricultural produce.

5. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) – Promoting Organic Farming

Objective:

 To encourage organic farming and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Key Features:

 Provides financial assistance to farmers adopting organic farming practices.

 Establishes cluster-based farming with a minimum of 50 farmers covering 50 acres.
 Promotes certification of organic products to improve marketability.

Impact:

 Reduces environmental damage caused by chemical farming.

 Enhances income opportunities by promoting organic product markets.
6. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) – Crop Insurance Scheme

Objective:

 To provide financial protection to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities.

Key Features:

 Farmers pay a nominal premium (2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, and 5% for commercial
crops).
 Covers losses due to drought, floods, pests, and diseases.
 Uses technology for faster claim settlement through remote sensing and drones.

Impact:

 Reduces financial distress caused by crop failures.

 Encourages risk management and promotes investment in better farming practices.

7. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) – Providing Affordable Credit to Farmers

Objective:

 To provide easy access to credit for farmers to meet their agricultural and personal expenses.

Key Features:

 Short-term loans at low interest rates with a flexible repayment schedule.

 Covers expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and storage.
 Also provides insurance coverage for farmers in case of accidents or death.

Impact:

 Reduces dependence on informal moneylenders.

 Helps farmers invest in quality inputs and modern technology.

8. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) – Direct Income Support

Objective:

 To provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

Key Features:

 Farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments directly in their bank accounts.
 Covers all landholding farmers irrespective of crop choice.
 Promotes financial security and investment in agricultural activities.
Impact:

 Helps farmers meet short-term financial needs.

 Reduces economic distress in rural areas.

9. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) – Climate-Resilient

Farming

Objective:

 To develop climate-resilient agricultural practices for long-term sustainability.

Key Features:

 Promotes water-efficient technologies such as drip irrigation.

 Encourages agroforestry, integrated farming, and conservation agriculture.
 Implements climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Impact:

 Reduces the vulnerability of farmers to climate-related risks.

 Promotes long-term sustainability in agricultural production.

Programmes in the Social Security Sector for Rural Development

Social security programs in rural development aim to provide economic protection to

vulnerable sections of society, such as small farmers, landless laborers, women, elderly
individuals, and people with disabilities. These programs help reduce poverty, ensure
financial stability, and enhance the well-being of marginalized groups.

The government has launched various initiatives in the social security sector to provide
employment, insurance, pensions, housing, and food security to rural populations. Below
is a detailed explanation of key social security programs in rural development.

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) –

Employment Security

Objective:

 To provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households every year.
 To create durable assets such as roads, water conservation structures, and irrigation facilities.

Key Features:

 Any rural household willing to do manual labor is eligible for employment under this scheme.
 Women are encouraged to participate, with at least 33% reservation for women workers.
 Payment of wages is done directly into bank accounts to ensure transparency.
  Work must be provided within 5 km of the applicant's residence; otherwise, an additional
travel allowance is given.

Impact:

 Reduces rural distress and unemployment.

 Provides economic stability to rural households.
 Strengthens rural infrastructure through labor-intensive projects.

2. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) – Pension Scheme for
Unorganized Workers

Objective:

 To provide old-age financial security to workers in the unorganized sector, including small
farmers, street vendors, and construction workers.

Key Features:

 Individuals aged 18-40 years can voluntarily enroll by contributing a nominal monthly
amount.
 The government matches the worker’s contribution on a 50:50 basis.
 Upon reaching 60 years of age, the beneficiary receives a monthly pension of ₹3,000.
 If the beneficiary dies, the spouse receives 50% of the pension amount as a family pension.

Impact:

 Provides financial security for elderly rural workers.

 Encourages savings and pension planning among informal sector workers.

3. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) – Pension for Low-Income Groups

Objective:

 To provide financial security after retirement for people in the low-income and
unorganized sectors.

Key Features:

 Individuals aged 18-40 years contribute a small monthly amount to receive a fixed monthly
pension (₹1,000 - ₹5,000) after retirement.
 The government co-contributes to the scheme for eligible beneficiaries.
 Benefits are guaranteed for life, making it a stable pension option.

Impact:

 Encourages rural workers to plan for old age.

 Provides a financial cushion to low-income rural families.
4. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) – Financial Assistance to Vulnerable
Groups

Objective:

 To provide financial aid to poor elderly individuals, widows, and disabled persons who
lack regular sources of income.

Key Features:
The NSAP consists of several sub-schemes:

 Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Provides ₹200-₹500 per
month to elderly individuals above 60 years living below the poverty line.
 Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): Provides ₹300-₹500 per
month to widows aged 40 years and above.
 Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): Offers ₹300-₹500 per
month to disabled individuals aged 18 years and above.
 National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS): Provides a one-time grant of ₹20,000 to
families who lose their primary breadwinner.

Impact:

 Ensures minimum financial support for vulnerable rural populations.

 Reduces economic hardship in old age, widowhood, or disability.

5. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) – Pension for Farmers

Objective:

 To provide pension benefits to small and marginal farmers to ensure financial security in
old age.

Key Features:

 Farmers aged 18-40 years contribute monthly amounts, and the government provides equal
contributions to their accounts.
 On reaching 60 years, the farmer receives a pension of ₹3,000 per month.
 In case of the farmer’s death, the spouse receives 50% of the pension.

Impact:

 Provides long-term financial security for farmers.

 Reduces rural poverty by ensuring a stable post-retirement income.

6. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) – Financial Inclusion for Rural
Households

Objective:
  To provide universal access to banking services, especially for the rural poor.

Key Features:

 Provides zero-balance savings accounts for rural individuals.

 Accounts come with a free debit card and accidental insurance of ₹2 lakh.
 Allows direct transfer of government subsidies (DBT - Direct Benefit Transfer) to prevent
corruption.

Impact:

 Increases financial literacy and inclusion.

 Helps rural individuals save money and access government benefits directly.

7. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) – Life Insurance for Rural
Poor

Objective:

 To provide affordable life insurance to low-income families.

Key Features:

 Covers individuals aged 18-50 years for a premium of ₹436 per year.
 Provides ₹2 lakh life insurance coverage in case of death due to any reason.
 Premium is auto-debited from the insured person’s bank account.

Impact:

 Offers financial protection to rural families in case of the breadwinner’s demise.

 Reduces economic vulnerability in rural areas.

8. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) – Accidental Insurance

Objective:

 To provide low-cost accidental insurance for rural individuals.

Key Features:

 Covers individuals aged 18-70 years for a premium of ₹20 per year.
 Provides ₹2 lakh for accidental death or full disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability.

Impact:

 Ensures financial assistance for accident victims and their families.

 Encourages rural individuals to opt for financial security through insurance.

9. Public Distribution System (PDS) – Food Security for Rural Poor

Objective:
  To ensure affordable food grains to poor rural households through ration shops.

Key Features:

 Provides subsidized rice, wheat, and pulses through the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
for extremely poor households.
 Uses Aadhaar-linked ration cards to reduce corruption and leakages.

Impact:

 Reduces hunger and malnutrition in rural areas.

 Ensures food availability even during economic crises.

The Social Sector encompasses various initiatives and programs aimed at improving human
development, social well-being, and economic inclusion. Governments, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), and international bodies implement a wide range of programs in this
area, focusing on sectors like health, education, employment, social security, and poverty
alleviation. Below is a detailed explanation of the key programmes in the social sector:

1. Health Sector Programmes

These programs aim to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services, reduce disease
burdens, and improve overall public health.

a) National Health Mission (NHM)

 Launched by the Government of India to provide affordable healthcare to all.

 Includes the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and National Urban Health Mission
(NUHM).
 Focuses on maternal and child health, disease control, and strengthening primary healthcare
infrastructure.

b) Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

 Provides free health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for low-income
groups.
 Covers secondary and tertiary hospitalization expenses.

c) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

 Aims to improve the nutritional and health status of children under six years and
pregnant/lactating mothers.
 Provides supplementary nutrition, preschool education, and immunization services.

d) National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)

 Focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and awareness.

 Ensures free access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

e) Pulse Polio Programme

 A vaccination initiative to eradicate polio.

  Ensures immunization of children under five years

2. Education Sector Programmes

These initiatives focus on improving literacy rates, enhancing access to education, and
improving learning outcomes.

a) Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)

 Integrated scheme for school education from preschool to Class 12.

 Aims to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and student learning.

b) Mid-Day Meal Scheme

 Provides free nutritious meals to school children to improve attendance and learning outcomes.

c) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

 Promotes education and empowerment of girls.

 Aims to address gender discrimination and improve the child sex ratio.

d) Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

 Aims at improving higher education institutions by providing funding and policy support.

e) National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM)

 Promotes digital literacy among underserved populations, enabling them to use digital tools
for learning and employment.

3. Employment & Livelihood Programmes

These programs support job creation, skill development, and financial empowerment.

a) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

 Provides at least 100 days of wage employment to rural households annually.

 Aims to enhance rural livelihoods and infrastructure development.

b) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

 A skill development initiative that offers free training and certification in various trades.

c) Start-Up India & Stand-Up India

 Encourages entrepreneurship by providing financial and policy support to startups and MSMEs (Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises).

d) Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)

 Aims to uplift rural poor through self-employment and skill-building.

e) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

 Provides microfinance loans to small and micro enterprises to promote self-employment.

4. Social Security & Welfare Programmes

These programs focus on providing financial and social security to vulnerable populations.

a) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

 Promotes financial inclusion by providing access to bank accounts, insurance, and pensions.

b) Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

 Provides pension benefits to unorganized sector workers.

c) National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

 Offers financial aid to elderly, widows, and disabled individuals in low-income groups.

d) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

 Provides maternity benefits to pregnant women and lactating mothers to improve maternal
health.

e) One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)

 Enables migrant workers and poor families to access subsidized food grains from any Fair
Price Shop (FPS) in India.

5. Poverty Alleviation & Food Security Programmes

These programs focus on reducing poverty and ensuring food security for the needy.

a) Public Distribution System (PDS) & National Food Security Act (NFSA)

 Provides subsidized food grains to economically weaker sections.

b) Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

 Special food security program for the poorest of the poor.

c) Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

 Focuses on skill development and employment for rural youth.

6. Women Empowerment & Child Development Programmes

These programs aim at gender equality, women’s safety, and child development.

a) Ujjwala Scheme
  Provides free LPG connections to women from low-income households.

b) Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK)

 Empowers women through skill development, health awareness, and employment support.

c) Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission)

 Aims to improve nutrition among women, children, and adolescents.

d) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

 A savings scheme for girl children to support their education and marriage expenses.

7. Urban Development & Housing Programmes

These programs aim to improve urban infrastructure and provide affordable housing.

a) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)

 Provides affordable housing to urban and rural poor.

b) Smart Cities Mission

 Aims to develop 100 smart cities with improved infrastructure and technology integration.

c) Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

 Focuses on sanitation and cleanliness, including toilet construction and waste management.

8. Tribal Welfare & Minority Development Programmes

These initiatives focus on uplifting tribal communities and minorities.

a) Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana

 Aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.

b) Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for Minorities

 Focuses on education, employment, and economic inclusion of minority communities.

c) Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

 Provides quality education to tribal students.