Kurukshetra Magazine Summary December 2023: Self-Reliant Villages

Kurukshetra Magazine December 2023 Summary

1.Towards Making Villages Self-Reliant: Role of Ministry of Panchayat Raj

 Introduction:

• Villages are the cornerstone for creating a self-sufficient nation, with approximately 68% of India’s population residing in rural areas.
• The agrarian economy, engaging 51% of the workforce, underscores the pivotal role of Gram Panchayats in the successful implementation of government schemes.

Empowering Panchayats:

Funds from Central Finance Commission:

• Fifteenth Finance Commission allocates Rs. 60,750 crore for FY 2020-21 and Rs. 2,36,805 crore for FY 2021-26 to Panchayats across three tiers and Traditional Local Bodies in 28 States.

Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDG):

• Around 2.5 lakh Panchayats commit to local-level determined activities aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.

Financial Self-Reliance:

• Panchayats need their Source of Revenue for economic development; more financial resources are needed.

Digital Technology Integration:

Leveraging Digital Technology:

• National e-Governance Plan (NEGP) introduces e-Panchayat for transparent, accountable, and effective self-governance with public participation.
• e-Gram SWARAJ integrates with Government e-MarketPlace (GeM) for transparent Panchayat procurement.
• Promotes “Vocal for Local” by enabling local producers to sell products directly to government entities.

Initiatives towards Gram Urja Swaraj:

Gram Urja Swaraj:

• Addresses rural population’s social, economic, environmental, and health concerns, emphasising renewable energy promotion.
• ‘Gram Urja Swaraj’ dashboard assesses Gram Panchayats’ inclination towards renewable energy projects.
• Panchayats develop implementation models with support from Renewable Energy Development Agencies.

SVAMITVA Scheme for Property Rights:

SVAMITVA Scheme:

• Launched in April 2020, it aims to provide a ‘record of rights’ to village household owners in inhabited rural areas.
• Issues property cards backed by State Revenue or Panchayati Raj Acts.
• Facilitates monetisation of rural residential assets for credit and financial services.
• Enables self-sufficiency through property tax collection, a significant source of revenue for Panchayats.

Conclusion:

• The goal of a developed India relies on villages achieving self-reliance, with Gram Panchayats playing a commendable role.
• Empowerment through financial allocations, localisation of development goals, digital technology integration, renewable energy initiatives, and property rights schemes collectively make villages self-sufficient.
• The holistic approach ensures transparency, economic growth, and sustainable development, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant and developed nation.
  

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2. Aspirational Districts And Blocks Programme: Model for Socio-Economic Transformation Through Grassroot Empowerment

 NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme (ADP) Overview:

• Launched in 2018, ADP aims to improve grassroots-level governance.
• Focus on 112 Aspirational Districts across 27 states, selected based on incremental progress across 49 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under five socio-economic themes.
• Themes include Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Basic Infrastructure.

Innovative and Collaborative Approach:

• ADP is built on competitive and cooperative federalism, emphasising improved governance for inclusive human development.
• Relying on evidence-based policy interventions through data-driven governance.
• Key interventions include grassroots-level participation in local action plans, outcome-based program evaluation, and leveraging technology for monitoring.

Success Factors of ADP: 

Positive Nomenclature:

• The term “aspirational” instills positivity within district administration and among the people.

Prioritisation:

• Districts are chosen based on priority socio-economic indicators.

Innovation in Governance:

• Encourages innovative governance approaches to tackle long-standing challenges.

Competitive and Cooperative Federalism:

• Robust monitoring ranks Aspirational Districts based on improvements, fostering healthy competition.

Horizontal Convergence and Collaboration:

• Various departments and civil society organisations collaborate horizontally for effective implementation.

Vertical Collaboration:

• Prahari officers act as a bridge between central and state departments, enhancing collaboration.

Peer Learning and Behavioral Change:

• Promotes peer learning and behavioural change through sharing best practices and benchmarking.

Aspirational Block Programme (ABP):

• Launched in January 2023 to enhance focus on localised planning in underdeveloped blocks.
• Targets 500 Aspirational Blocks across 31 states and Union territories.
• Aim for 100% scheme saturation, ensuring benefits reach marginalised sections through customised approaches.

Approaches of ABP:

Capacity Building:

• Focuses on enhancing the capacity of block-level officials for effective scheme implementation.

Block Development Strategy:

• Involves SWOT analysis to identify and maximise strengths and opportunities while addressing weaknesses and threats.

Knowledge Portal:

• Establishes a dedicated knowledge portal for documentation and dissemination of best practices.

Institutional Support:

• Provides institutional support for seamless program implementation at both block and district levels.

Conclusion:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) lauds ADP as a successful model of local area development aligned with the principle of “leave no one behind.”
• Combined efforts of ADP and ABP set the groundwork for socio-economically self-reliant villages.
• Contributes significantly to the realisation of an “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) through comprehensive and innovative approaches to governance and development.
  

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3. Lab to Land – Empowering Farmers Technically

 Lab to Land Program:

• Initiated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in agriculture.
• Implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK)
• Aims to swiftly transfer and diffuse new technologies for sustainable food production, improved farming practices, and increased profitability.

Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE):

• Implemented by the Extension Division of the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’
• Focuses on creating awareness and enhancing the use of appropriate technologies in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms aims to make extension systems farmer-driven through the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA).
• Mass Media Support to Agricultural Extension utilises All India Radio and Doordarshan to disseminate the latest farm practices.
• Kisan Call Centres (launched in 2004) provide a platform to address farmers’ queries through telephone calls.

Scheme for Agri-clinics and Agribusiness:

• Aims to offer self-employment opportunities to agricultural graduates.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK):

• Initiated in 1974 by ICAR for the transfer of agricultural technologies and knowledge.
• Sole institutions at the district level facilitate a two-way link between farmers and researchers.
• Mandates include on-farm testing, frontline demonstrations, capacity building, serving as knowledge and resource centres, and providing farm advisories.
• Connected with Common Service Centers (CSCs) in rural areas to offer technological solutions.
• Actively engaged in awareness campaigns against stubble burning.

Other Initiatives:

• Agricultural Technology Information Centers (ATICs) are single-window delivery systems for technology, information, and advisory services.
• KSHAMTA enhances agricultural production in tribal areas with KVKs’ support.
• ‘Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav’ initiative involves scientists adopting villages for technology dissemination.
• Farmer FIRST organises participatory demonstrations on farmers’
• ARYA aims to create job opportunities in rural areas by skilling and training youth in agro-enterprises.
• NICRA focuses on adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.
• Student READY exposes undergraduate students to farm realities.
• Atal Tinkering Labs connected with KVKs and ATMAs promote innovations in the agriculture sector.
• mKISAN portal facilitates quick knowledge transfer through text or voice messages.
• The Kisan Suvidha app disseminates information on critical parameters for informed decision-making.

Other Initiatives:

• This comprehensive approach demonstrates India’s commitment to modernising agriculture, promoting sustainability, and empowering farmers through technology and knowledge dissemination.
  

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4. Towards the Goal of Atmanirbhar Gaon

 Counter-Urbanisation:

• Demographic Shift: People are moving from urban to rural areas, contributing to counter-urbanisation.
• Shrinking Cities: Overpopulation in urban areas leads to the emergence of ‘shrinking cities.’

Competency Development in Villages:

• Addressing Overpopulation: The strategy involves developing competencies in villages to alleviate challenges posed by overpopulation.
• Preparation for Opportunities: Villages are being prepared to meet emerging opportunities in the context of rural India’s development.

Proactive Entrepreneurship Development:

• Fundamental Intervention: Entrepreneurship is recognised as a fundamental intervention for sustainable livelihoods.
• Beyond Self-Sufficiency: The focus extends beyond mere self-sufficiency to meet the aspirational needs of modern times.
• Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: This initiative has successfully commercialised 53 technologies, actively fostering entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Engaging Communities for Success:

• Community-Centric Success: The success of programs is contingent upon active community engagement.
• Role of NGOs and Institutions: Non-governmental organisations and higher education institutions play a critical role in guiding and supporting communities.
• Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Impact: Higher education institutions contribute significantly by providing knowledge and technology support and improving livelihoods.

Aatmanirbhar Gaon Development:

• Village Leadership: The evolution of prosperity in India hinges on effective leadership at the village level.
• Gandhi’s Perspective: Reflecting Gandhi’s perspective, emphasis is placed on villages rather than cities.
• Policy Focus: Policies and actions are aligned with the principle that the ‘Development of India is the development of Aatmanirbhar Gaon.’

Way Forward:

• Village-Led Development: Recognising the crucial role of villages, the approach emphasises village-led development for India’s overall prosperity.
• Alignment with Aatmanirbhar Gaon: Policies and actions are structured to align with the principle of Aatmanirbhar Gaon.
• Community Engagement and Entrepreneurship: Acknowledging the significance of community engagement and entrepreneurship, these factors are considered integral to rural development.

Conclusion:

• This holistic approach underscores the multifaceted strategies in addressing urbanisation challenges, promoting entrepreneurship, and elevating the role of villages in India’s development.
• The Unnat Bharat Abhiyan stands out as a concrete initiative, actively contributing to the commercialisation of technologies and fostering entrepreneurship in rural areas.
  

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5. Sustainable Industries: The Backbone of Self-reliant Villages

 Sustainable Industries and Their Impact:

• Definition and Focus: Sustainable industries offer economic opportunities and contribute to environmental protection and community empowerment.
• Endurance and Thriving: Sustainability is defined by industries’ endurance and thriving capacity without resource depletion, emphasising long-term economic and environmental well-being.

Contribution to Economic Landscape:

• Job Creation: Sustainable industries significantly shape the economic landscape, creating jobs, attracting investments, and generating income for local communities.
• Examples: Eco-friendly tourism, agro-based businesses, and renewable energy initiatives are examples of sustainable industries with positive economic impacts.

Atmanirbhar Villages and Holistic Development:

• Objective: Atmanirbhar villages aim for self-sufficient local economies, prioritising economic self-sufficiency and sustainable development, resource efficiency, skill development, entrepreneurship, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability.

Diversification in Traditional Villages:

• Need for Diversification: Villages heavily reliant on traditional sectors like agriculture and tourism need economic diversification for stability and growth.
• Benefits: Sustainable industries in such villages offer alternative income sources and job opportunities and foster overall economic, social, and environmental stability and well-being.

Practical Applications in Jammu and Kashmir:

• Homestays: Cost-effective, small ecological footprint, supported by J&K government initiatives, financial incentives, training programs, and technology utilisation.
• Pencil Industry: Oukhoo, the ‘Pencil Village of India,’ contributes to self-reliance by crafting quality pencils from fragrant cedarwood, recognised in ‘Mann Ki Baat.’
• Saffron Cultivation: Traditional, environmentally friendly cultivation with the National Saffron Mission promotes its regional growth.
• Handicraft and Handloom:5 lakh artisans working in various crafts, supported by the ‘Wool Processing, Handloom, and Handicrafts Policy-2020’ and UNESCO Creative City Network recognition.
• Cricket Bat Industry: Located in Pulwama and Anantnag, with around 200 manufacturing units employing 50,000 individuals, the preferred female cultivar of the white willow tree is used for high-quality bats.
• Agro-Processing: Adds shelf life and value to perishable agricultural goods like Apples, Saffron, and Walnuts, holding potential as a cornerstone for self-reliance in J&K.

Challenges and Potential:

• Challenges: The development of sustainable industries in J&K faces challenges such as skill development, infrastructure development, financial resources, marketing, and regulatory framework development.
• Unlocking Potential: Overcoming these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of sustainable industries in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion:

• In conclusion, developing sustainable industries signifies a pathway towards economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and holistic community empowerment.
• While challenges exist, overcoming them is pivotal to unleashing the full potential of these industries, contributing to the region’s self-reliance and well-rounded progress.
  

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 6. Empowering Rural India Digital Transformation as a Sustainability Catalyst

 Digital Transformation in Rural Areas:

• Overview: The Industrial Revolution 4.0, integrating digital technologies, has transformative potential, especially in rural areas.
• Challenges: Lack of universal digital connectivity, urban-rural digital divide, limited access, inadequate skills, and affordability pose challenges.

Digitally Self-Reliant Villages:

• Gateway to Services: Acts as a gateway to crucial rural services, offering high-tech amenities.
• Components: Integrates high-tech education with internet access, e-content, educational apps, smart classes, and video conferencing for enhanced learning.
• Policy Implications: Policymakers can employ digital hubs to promote digital engagement in rural communities.

Digital Transformation of Agriculture:

• Conditions for Transformation: Specific conditions include basic conditions (availability, connectivity, affordability, ICT education, supportive policies), enabling conditions (internet, mobile phones, social media, digital skills), and the transformative impact on work dynamics.

Government Initiatives for Digital Empowerment:

• Digital India Programme: Launched in 2015, it focuses on bringing government services to every corner through high-speed internet.
• Bharat Net Project: Enhances e-banking, e-governance, internet services, and e-education in villages.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Promotes financial and digital inclusion in rural India.

Other Initiatives:

• AI for All: NITI Aayog’s initiative targets key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, smart cities, and infrastructure.
• Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund: Empowering MSMEs for Aatmanirbhar Bharat by tapping into private sector capabilities.
• Fintech Companies Initiatives: Establishing digital infrastructure for digital bill payments in rural areas.

Smart Entrepreneurship and Youth Agripreneurs:

• Role in Rural Economic Development: Entrepreneurial endeavours in villages catalyse economic development and bridge income gaps.
• Youth Agripreneurs: Drive agricultural digitalisation, creating startups rooted in their backgrounds.

E-commerce for Rural Products:

• Purpose: Connect rural areas with urban markets, enhancing income levels.
• Government Initiatives: ‘Make in India,’ ‘Digital India,’ and ‘Skill India’ promote SME growth and entry into e-commerce.

Challenges in Rural E-commerce and Potential Solutions:

• Payment-related Issues, Infrastructure Lack, Logistics Challenges, Awareness, Competence, Quality, Language Barriers, and Currency Challenges.

Examples and Impact of Digital Technologies in Agrifood Systems:

• Mobile Apps: Empower farmers with real-time price information, altering cropping patterns.
• Agrobots and AI in AgTech: Revolutionise farming tasks, reduce labour costs, and improve efficiency.
• IoT in Precision Agriculture: Optimise resource use, reduce costs, and enhance productivity through precise data.
• Blockchain Technology: Ensure food traceability, enhance transparency, and reinforce consumer trust.

Conclusion:

• Necessity for Sustainable Development: Empowering rural areas for digital transformation is necessary for sustainable development.
• Unlocking Potential: Bridging the digital gap between urban and rural regions unlocks the potential, boosting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and contributing to environmental conservation.
  

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 7. Accelerating Economic Growth in Villages

 Historical Perspective:

• Sir Charles Metcalfe: Introduced the idea of self-sufficiency in Indian villages in 1830.
• Mahatma Gandhi: Conceptualized Gram Swaraj, envisioning realistically self-sufficient villages.

Vital Role of Villages:

• Demographics: Hosts 65% of India’s population, contributing 25-30% to GDP.
• Agricultural Dependence: 47% of the population relies on agriculture for livelihoods.

Financial Support in Rural Areas:

• IFAD Study: Investments in education and health in rural areas reduce poverty and increase agricultural growth.
• Government Schemes: Increased funds in 2023-24 for rural development, including MGNREGS, PMAY-Gramin, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

Skill Building Initiatives:

• Employment Schemes: MGNREGS, DDU-GKY, RSETIs, PMKVY, and PMEGP focus on providing employment and skill development opportunities.
• Vibrant Villages Programme: Aims to boost infrastructure and livelihood opportunities along northern borders.

Importance of MSMEs in the Non-Farm Sector:

• Rural MSMEs: Out of 63.4 million MSMEs in India, 51.25% are in rural areas.
• Employment Generation: MSMEs can absorb surplus labour and contribute to the non-farm sector’s growth.

Focus on Forest Fringe Villages:

• Forest Fringe Villages: 26% of total villages, home to 22% of the population, depend on Minor Forest Produce.
• PESA 1996 and Forest Rights Act: Empower Gram Panchayats and forest dwellers in the ownership of forest produce.
• Van Dhan Yojana: Launched in 2018 for the socio-economic development of tribal populations.

Promoting Villages as Tourism Hubs:

• Employment Opportunities: Rural tourism can transform villages into micro-economic units, providing direct market access to farmers.
• Best Tourism Village: Chitukal village in Himachal Pradesh is recognised by UNWTO.

Smart Villages for Agricultural Revamp:

• Technology Integration: AI, ICT applications, and Big Data Analytics for smart agriculture.
• Agritech Startups: Developing solutions for precision farming and supply chain management.
• UNDP’s ‘Villages of Tomorrow’: Initiative for gender-sensitive digitalisation in rural areas.

Financial and Agricultural Innovations:

• Agricultural Accelerator Fund: Encourages agri-startups founded by young entrepreneurs in rural areas.
• YONO Krishi App: By State Bank of India to meet farmers’ financial, input, and advisory needs.
• ITC MAARS: Developed by Indian Tobacco Company for efficient digital procurement of agri products.

PURA Initiative:

• Urban Amenities in Rural Areas: Aims at developing urban infrastructure and services in rural areas, creating economic opportunities.

Conclusion:

• In summary, the multifaceted approach includes financial support, skill building, MSME focus, forest fringe village empowerment, tourism promotion, smart agriculture, and innovative financial and technological solutions for holistic rural development.
  

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 8. Aatmanirbhar Villages through Agricultural Development

 Need for Aatmanirbhar Villages:

• Population Distribution: Over 70% of India’s workforce resides in rural areas, facing economic challenges like poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
• Addressing Economic Challenges: Making villages self-reliant can alleviate poverty, enhance quality of life, and bridge urban-rural income disparities.

Employment Opportunities:

• Agricultural Dependency: About 70% of rural households depend on agriculture, making it a crucial sector for employment.
• Potential for Employment: Rural agricultural development has the potential to create employment opportunities beyond farming.

Sustainable Development:

• Definition: Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising future generations.
• Eco-Friendly Solutions: Villages can adopt regionally appropriate solutions for water, energy, and waste management, contributing to environmental conservation.

Role of Women:

• Empowerment: Women’s empowerment is crucial for village self-sufficiency and comprehensive socio-economic development.
• Gender Equality: Agricultural initiatives should focus on gender equality, providing women access to education, health, land, and credit.

Infrastructure Development:

• Quality of Life Improvement: Better infrastructure enhances overall quality of life, attracts business and investments, and connects villages to markets.
• Market Accessibility: Improved infrastructure makes it easier for farmers to sell produce and access resources.

Technology Integration:

• Boosting Productivity: The adoption of modern technology in agriculture can significantly boost productivity.
• Necessary Tools and Knowledge: Equipping farmers with tools and knowledge for cutting-edge farming practices is essential for sustainability.

Balance of Trade (BOT):

• Definition: The difference between a country’s imports and exports over a period.
• India’s Status: India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grains and emerged as a net exporter of agricultural products.

Government Initiatives:

• Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Launched in May 2020, promoting local products and self-reliant agriculture.
• Key Ordinances: Enacted to mitigate market risks, encourage contract farming, and elevate the livelihoods of farming communities.
• National Agriculture Market (e-NAM): Launched in 2016 to provide better marketing opportunities through an online competitive and transparent system.
• Farmers Producers Organisations (FPOs): A scheme to form and promote 10,000 new FPOs in the country by 2027-28.
• Vibrant Villages Programme: Targeting villages along India’s northern border for infrastructure development.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

• Government Initiatives: Numerous schemes focus on agricultural development and rural entrepreneurship.
• Comprehensive Strategy: Strengthening rural infrastructure, supporting local entrepreneurs, promoting industries, ensuring financial access, and emphasising education and skill development are imperative.
• Long-Term Objective: Beyond self-sufficiency, the goal is to create enduring rural communities that contribute substantially to overall economic growth, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.