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(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) Integrated rural development and Sustainable development Goals

[June-2021]

The 2030 agenda for ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ by United Nations; was implemented with effect from January 1, 2016; in ensuring peace, prosperity and opportunity for all and for well-being of the masses; and to end all kinds of deprivation and socio-economic evils including poverty and inequality. The agenda enlisted 17 SDGs with 169 Targets, which are the milestones of holistic socio-economic transformation, having priority focus on wellbeing of people and planet earth at large.
As a global mandate, the SDGs cover three key dimensions of sustainable development viz.,

(a) economic growth

(b) social inclusion and

The SDGs and Rural Development in India

The well-being of Indian economy certainly depends upon the living and livelihood patterns of the rural economy. In India, more than 65 percent of the total population lives in villages and, therefore, rural development itself signifies its importance in all kinds of public policy making.
Thus, ‘integrated rural development’ can be used as a major index of sustainable development of appraising enlargement of people’s choices and capabilities, across India. In other words, the ‘secret of success of SDGs in India’ predominantly revolves around development with core focus on inclusive and holistic development of rural India, and also taking special care to avoid/reduce all sorts of deprivation and exploitation.

Attainment of relevant SDGs and Rural Wellbeing in Indian Context

The overall well-being of India very much rests on rural economy and its development. Accomplishment of SDGs are mainly connected with rural India and its progress.
The rural development and its concomitant outcomes will not only reduce the poverty and inequality, but also will empower the community, especially the women and the underprivileged sections of the society.

SDG 1: No Poverty

Poverty is multidimensional and complex, and especially rural poverty is more deep-rooted and pervasive. Hence to attain the SDG-1, eradication of rural poverty is essential and can be achieved by better infrastructure development, agricultural development, and better credit support facility and also through socio-economic transformation in rural India. A well-designed policy to remove rural poverty is essential which further laid the foundation for the rest of the SDGs.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Hunger and food insecurity which are quite prevalent; and very much associated with extreme form of poverty.
Millions of children are living under malnutrition and suffering from various diseases in general and in rural segment in particular. Therefore, the focus should be on human rights and human dignity. This can be achieved by focusing on food security.
In addition, self-sufficiency in food grain production and assurance of food security for masses very much elucidates the significance of agricultural sector. The food price have increased manifold over the recent years making the food basket costlier and threatens the survival of the poor masses. So, agricultural development is imperative for rural development through which sustainable development would be possible

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

For better health and well-being; heath care facility is very much essential. Health related challenges still persist at large and the existing progress is not enough to meet the daunting challenges in the rural health segment.
Persistent health related issues affect the productivity and efficiency of the work force and create unnecessary economic burden on their standard of living.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Well-being of the nation rests on the quality education. It counts how children are getting education along with the ancillary supports.
The challenges in quality education in the rural areas are more because of higher dropouts, due to lack of infrastructure and motivation.
However quality education is essential to fight against all kind of deprivation and also will support remaining SDGs.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Inclusiveness is possible only when all the segments get equal rights and equal opportunities in every aspects of life. The major challenges in the society are gender inequality and socioeconomic discrimination.
This is rampant in rural sector and hence greater importance is given for gender equality and for empowerment of girls and women without any discrimination in the SDGs. To achieve the same, rural development is inevitable and need of the hour.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Housing alone cannot support sustainable rural development unless supported by basic amenities like drinking water, sanitation, etc. For better health and rural well-being; safe and clean drinking water is very essential.
The government of India is making continuous efforts to provide healthy drinking water to all the citizens, especially to rural population. Importance of clean water, sanitation and hygiene is essential for protecting human health and human dignity.
Clean water and sanitation always have positive impact on the rural people in terms of health, employment, income, wealth, productivity and welfare as well.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Unemployment and lack of opportunities adversely affect the economy and also affect the health and socio-economic status of the unemployed people. Unemployment in various forms are rampant in the rural sector and hence to achieve sustainable growth, focus should be given in situ employment creation at the rural economy.
It will not only enhance the economic well-being but also raises the socio-cultural status and will add to positive mindset of the people.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Adequate and accessible infrastructure not only enriches the quality of life but also brings betterment of rural livelihood. Better infrastructure always have positive correlation with economic development.
It is found that there is a clear need of uplifting of rural economy especially the rural infrastructure development. Setting of rural industries and promotion of innovation at the grass-root level will certainly add to living standards and well-being of the rural people.