The Hindu : A step towards bridging urban-rural divide

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 15, 2004

Other States

Other States - Rajasthan

A step towards bridging urban-rural divide

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, MARCH 14. A one-day workshop on planning for the Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas (PURA) under a Centrally sponsored scheme in 28 clusters of Rajasthan was organised here over the week-end to discuss the modalities of its implementation. The scheme will be launched in 5,000 rural clusters across the country during the next five years.

The workshop was organised by the Rajasthan Government's Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department. The department's Principal Secretary, M. K. Khanna, presiding over the workshop, said the scheme would bridge the gap between urban and rural areas and facilitate socio-economic development of the latter. The workshop was attended by the district level developmental officials from all over the State.

The approach and formats of project report for each cluster were explained through a detailed pilot project report on the concept and evidence from Kekri cluster of Ajmer district during the workshop. The Kekri report has been prepared by a Senior Fellow of the Jaipur-based Institute of Development Studies (IDS), Pradeep Bhargava.

The Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had announced the PURA scheme on the Independence Day last year for identification of rural clusters with growth potential and creating connectivity in road, transportation, power, electronic, knowledge and market areas. The Deputy Secretary in the Department of Rural Development, V.V. Dikshit, provided the details of the PURA scheme on the occasion.

The Director of IDS, S.S. Acharya, while discussing the genesis of PURA, said a detailed project report for each cluster was needed to identify the infrastructure gaps, make an assessment of funds from existing schemes and additional funds required, and devise a suitable approach to ensure quality and timely execution.

Dr. Acharya suggested that the Panchayati Raj institutions, non-Government organisations, self-help groups and stakeholders be involved for maintenance after the creation of infrastructure under the scheme.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

News Update

Stories in this Section

RSS endorses NDA for a second term

Villagers take cudgels on behalf of health centre

A step towards bridging urban-rural divide