(a) whether the Government propose to involve private participation to encourage rural development schemes in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, scheme-wise;
(c) whether the Government have urged the corporate sector to adopt villages;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the reaction of corporate sector thereto ?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI M. VENKAIAH NAIDU)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The Government have called upon the corporate sector to establish an effective partnership with Government for achieving overall development of rural areas. The Industries have been offered freedom in choosing the activities and areas for rural development.
(c)&(d) Addressing the National Summit on Public/Private Partnership on Rural Development organized by ASSOCHAM on 16th October, 2001, Minister of Rural Development urged each industrial house to adopt a village or group of villages and ensure full responsibility for the all round social and economic development of such village(s).
(e) The summit felt the need for continuing dialogue between the Government and the Industries for concretizing the areas of possible partnership for faster development of rural areas. The response is positive.