The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India aimed at fostering the development of rural growth clusters. The mission seeks to bridge the rural-urban divide by stimulating local economic development, enhancing basic services, and creating well-planned “Rurban” clusters that retain the essence of rural community life while providing urban-like facilities.
Vision and Objectives
The SPMRM envisions the development of clusters of villages that:
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Preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life.
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Focus on equity and inclusiveness.
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Provide facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature.
The key objectives of the mission are:
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To bridge the economic, technological, and service-related divide between rural and urban areas.
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To stimulate local economic development with an emphasis on poverty and unemployment reduction.
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To promote development in the region.
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To attract investment in rural areas.
Organizational Structure
The SPMRM is implemented through a multi-tiered organizational structure:
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National Level: The National Mission Directorate, headed by a Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Rural Development, is supported by a National Mission Management Unit (NMMU).
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State/UT Level: A State Nodal Agency (SNA), typically the Department of Rural Development or a designated agency, is responsible for implementing the scheme. The SNA is supported by a State Project Management Unit (SPMU).
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District/Cluster Level: A District Project Management Unit (DPMU) is set up at the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) office to coordinate with various implementing agencies. Cluster Development and Management Units (CDMUs) are set up in each Rurban cluster to monitor progress.
Key Functions and Duties
The Ministry of Rural Development serves as the nodal ministry for the SPMRM. Its responsibilities include:
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Ensuring timely and adequate resource support to states and UTs.
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Undertaking regular review, monitoring, and evaluation of processes and outcomes.
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Promoting innovations that improve implementation.
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Ensuring transparency and accountability.
Power and Duties of the Employees
The document outlines the work allocation for key personnel, including:
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Deputy Secretary (RURBAN): Oversees EFC/Cabinet notes, direct replies to VIP/PMO matters, cluster allotment, and new fund releases.
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Under Secretary: Handles permissions, parliamentary standing committee matters, and budget matters.
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Assistant Director: Manages personnel matters, establishment matters, and vigilance.
Financial Outlay and Implementation
The Union Cabinet approved the SPMRM in 2015 with an outlay of Rs. 5142.08 crore. The scheme is implemented in a mission mode to ensure focused and timely development. The Inter-Ministerial Empowered Committee (EC) approves Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs) submitted by states/UTs and sanctions the Critical Gap Funding (CGF).
Criteria for Selection of Clusters
The clusters are selected based on:
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Their potential for economic growth.
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Their ability to bridge the rural-urban divide.
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Their capacity to generate employment and reduce poverty.
Implementation Focus
The implementation of SPMRM focuses on:
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Integrated Planning: Developing comprehensive plans that address various aspects of development.
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Convergence: Bringing together different government schemes and initiatives.
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Community Participation: Engaging local communities in the planning and implementation process.
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Innovation: Encouraging the use of new technologies and approaches.
Conclusion
The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is a significant initiative aimed at transforming rural areas into vibrant, self-sustaining economic hubs. By focusing on integrated development, infrastructure enhancement, and community engagement, the scheme aims to bridge the rural-urban divide and improve the lives of millions of people in rural India. The mission’s emphasis on strategic planning, effective monitoring, and transparency ensures that the scheme’s objectives are met in a timely and efficient manner.