The Gist of Kurukshetra: February 2017
Infrastructure for Rural Prosperity
India's economic journey from an impoverished nation to one
of fastest global economy has inspired many other developing nations and this
rapid economic development has been possible with contribution from every sector
of Indian economy.
With huge population still living in Rural India, Rural
Development plays an important factor for the growth of the Indian economy and
Rural India is yet to play big role in India's economic voyage and there is dire
need for future investments in the rural areas of India to decrease urbanization
and increase employment in small towns and villages.
The economic prosperity in rural India can only be achieved
if the critical issues of physical connectivity, electronic connectivity and
knowledge connectivity are addressed effectively.
While urban India has seen big progress in recent years, the small towns of
India continue to lag behind. There are many challenges that these places face
including poor road connectivity, primary healthcare system, educational
infrastructure and affordable housing. Rise in Indian exports, Industrial
development and adoption of modern technologies have mostly helped in generating
additional employment in urban areas and rural India has been left out.
India joined the club of trillion-dollar economies many years
back and it will undoubtedly double its size to 2 trillion dollars because of
economic reforms and globalization but without push from rural India this faster
growth may not be possible.
Despite growth of services and other sectors, Indian economy
is dependent on agrobased activities. Agriculture, with its allied various
sectors, is undeniably the largest livelihood provider in India. 67 per cent of
the Indian population is employed in the agricultural sector, and even than it
adds up to only 37 per cent to the GDP. A majority of these families spend over
90 per cent ,of their earnings on basic needs such as food, fuel and health
care.
In the Union Budget 2016-17, many provisions have been made
for reforming agriculture. These revolve around 'investments, incentives and
institutions. The allocation for agriculture and farmers' welfare this year is
Rs.35,984 crore, the highest ever.
