Chalk out innovative and result oriented methodology for implementation of Rural Development Programs - Dr.C.P.Joshi

Minister for Rural Development Dr. C.P. Joshi has called upon the DRDA functionaries to develop innovative and result oriented methodology for effective implementation of Rural Development Programs. Addressing media persons at the National conference of Project Directors of District Rural Development Administration (DRDA) agencies at Vigyan Bhawan here today he said the focus should be on synergizing the efforts for the welfare of rural people. In this context he referred to the deliberations on modalities of convergence of MNREGA with programs of the Ministry of Agriculture at the conference to increase the cultivable area as well in production.

Dr. Joshi highlighted the achievements under various schemes and cautioned the Project Directors against complacency. He said the challenges of rural development differ widely from region to region. The policies and programs must be implemented in such a way that they help in removing regional imbalances by removing the gulf between the rich and the poor. Equally important is the challenge of social justice and empowerment. He also laid stress on the important role of the Panchayati Raj Institutions in the implementation of the rural anti poverty programmes.

At the valedictory session, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar emphasized on convergence of various Government of India schemes particularly between those of MoRD and Ministry of Agriculture as a agriculture and allied activities are the main economic activity of a large proportion of the rural population. He stated that individually all the programs have major constraints such as inadequacy of technical support at field level, skill development and training, market linkages and finances. However, through innovative convergence of various Central and State Government schemes, these constraints can be overcome. He said the Project Directors of DRDAs can play a crucial role in convergence of various schemes.

The Ministers of State Shri Pradeep Jain ‘Aditya” and Ms. Agatha Sangma and Secretary Rural Development, Dr. Rita Sharma also addressed the Project Directors. Over 400 DRDA Project Directors along with the Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads from all over the country participated in the conference. The Project Directors of the DRDAs interacted with the Government officials and amongst themselves and shared their experiences and best practices. They made suggestions for improvement of the various schemes based on their personal experiences on field. A presentation of success stories was also made by the DRDAs during the course of the conference.

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