(a) the status of implementation of the Prime Minister`s Rural Development Fellows Scheme;
(b) the criteria laid down for participation of fellowship under the scheme and the stipend fixed for eligible participants;
(c) whether it is proposed to increase the stipend under the scheme, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the number of persons benefited by this scheme, State-wise including Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes since its inception?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) The Ministry is implementing Prime Minister`s Rural Development Fellows Scheme in partnership with the State Governments since 2012. As per available information, at present, there are 268 Fellows posted in 111 districts in 18 States.
(b) Eligibility criteria for candidates to become Fellows under the scheme is as below:
i. Should be a citizen of India.
ii. Age between 22-27 years at the time of application. For candidates belonging to SC/ST category, the maximum age limit is 32 years.
iii. Should be at least a graduate from a recognized University with a four year degree course, or a post-graduate from a recognized University.
iv. Should have obtained at least 50% marks in the aggregate or equivalent grade at the graduate or Post-graduate level.
v. Physical fitness, certified by Government Medical Hospital.
Fellows are paid a stipend of Rs. 50,000 per month during the orientation period (of 3 months) and after that Rs.75, 000 per month in the first year of Fellowship, with a 10% increment in the second year subject to the Fellow’s satisfactory performance.
(c) No, Madam.
(d) PMRDF Scheme is not designed to benefit a specific individual or a person. The scheme is primarily for assisting district administration in improving delivery of various Government schemes in select identified districts.