National Rurban mission in India: Outcomes, challenges, and reflections for inclusive development

Introduction

India's development trajectory is marked by growing economic prosperity but high inequality, which often exacerbates the existing rural-urban divide. One of the current policy instruments to address this divide is the National Rurban Mission, which aims to improve infrastructure and service provision, facilitate regional development and attract investment in rural areas. Against the backdrop of growing rural unrest on one hand and emerging evidence of unsustainable development in the urban on the other, we examine the National Rurban Mission and its discursive underpinnings. We find that while the mission and its stated aims are a promising step to improve regional development, its focus on 'smart villages' and seeing urbanisation as the only development model, undermines the strengths and challenges in rural India. We highlight ways in which the mission can avoid some past pitfalls of development interventions in India while strengthening its mandate of facilitating inclusive regional development. On 21 February 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission 2 with an outlay of Rs. 5142.08 crores. The launch was held in Dongargad, Chhattisgarh, suitably far from the urban and sufficiently rural in character for PM Modi to claim he had 'brought the government out of Delhi and into the people (PIB, 2016). As per Census of India statistics, the rural population in India, stands at 833 million, constituting almost 68 per cent of the total population (Census, 2011) [12] . Further, the rural population has shown a growth of 12 per cent and an increase in the absolute number of villages by 2279 units during the 2001-2011 period. Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) was announced in the Union Budget 2014-15. This was fallowing the Rurban development model of urbanization of the rural areas, adapted in the state of Gujarat through which people living in the rural areas are given efficient civic infrastructure and associate services Ensuring availability of amenities to rural populace is on the top priority of the central government as 67% of India's population resides in villages. Large parts of rural areas in the country are not stand-alone www.extensionjournal.com settlements but part of a cluster of settlements, which are relatively proximate to each other. These clusters typically illustrate potential for growth, have economic drivers and derive locational and competitive advantages. These clusters once developed can then be classified as 'Rurban'. Hence taking cognizance of this, the Government of India has proposed the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM), aimed at developing such rural areas by provisioning of economic, social and physical infrastructure facilities. Taking also into view, the advantages of clusters, both from an economic view point as well as to optimize benefits of infrastructure provision, the Mission aims at development of 300 Rurban clusters, in the next five years. These clusters would be strengthened with the required amenities, for which it is proposed that resources be mobilized through convergence of various schemes of the Government, over and above which a Critical Gap Funding (CGF) would be provided under this Mission, for focused development of these clusters. quired amenities, for which it is proposed that resources be mobilize quired amenities, for which it is proposed that resources be mobilize These clusters would be strengthened with the various schemes of the Government, over and above which a Critical Gap Funding (CGF)would be provided under this Mission, for focused development of these clusters. This Mission would herein after be referred to as National Rurban Mission (NRuM).

Review of literature

Gibbson et.al (2017) [2] study reported that growth of secondary towns has, in fact, led to a greater reduction in rural poverty compared with the growth of metropolitan cities because the former are more accessible to the rural workforce. Nagpaul (1996) [13] Rural-urban disparities in India manifest in economic opportunities, infrastructure access, and policy focus Singh and Rahman (2018) [19] study revealed that National Rurban Mission is a timely initiative aiming to bridge ruralurban disparities. However, its urban-centric approach risks overlooking deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. To be transformative, the mission must move beyond smart village rhetoric and adopt context-specific, inclusive, and sustainable development strategies. Illakiya and Prasad (2024) [5] results revealed that SPMRM improved employment, skill training, and infrastructure across four Tamil Nadu districts, enhancing rural economic stability. About 87% were highly satisfied with training, 79.7% secured jobs, and 58.8% reported reduced migration due to better infrastructure. While Phase I and II showed stronger policy impact, gaps persist in healthcare (47.5% dissatisfaction) and sanitation (19.8%). Addressing these through better health services, resource equity, and sustained infrastructure maintenance is essential for longterm rural development. Rajan (2023) [10] paper revealed that SPMRM aims to create thriving rural clusters that support economic growth and improved living conditions, making migration a choice rather than a necessity. Migration robustness as seen post-COVID-19 is as it was intended by SPMRM in that specific area, calling for supportive and adaptable policies.

History PURA 1.0

The precursor to SPMRM was PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas), proposed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in 2003 and discussed in Target 3 billion. PURA aimed to reduce rural-urban migration by providing urban amenities and livelihoods through PPP-based holistic development around rural growth centres. However, the initial PURA model was considered unsuccessful.

PURA 2.0

In 2012, Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh relaunched the scheme with a focus on water supply, sanitation and physical infrastructure, shifting away from the earlier emphasis on knowledge connectivity.

Research Methodology

This paper is based on secondary data collected from authentic websites, journals, e-papers and articles.

Vision

The vision statement is "Development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness without compromising with the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of "Rurban villages".

Aim of the Rurban mission

The aim of SPMRM is to create 300 rural growth clusters across the country. In the first phase, 100 clusters will be taken up, thereafter more clusters will be identified based on the progress of the scheme.

Objectives of the Rurban mission

Conclusion

The National Rurban Mission (NRuM) is a key initiative aimed at minimizing India's rural-urban divide by creating rural clusters with urban-like facilities, economic opportunities, and improved infrastructure. Significant advancements in cluster approvals, infrastructure development, skill training, and decreased migration are reflected in its progress. There are still issues with funding delays, poor community involvement, limited panchayat involvement, and shortages in health and sanitation services, even though the mission boosts regional growth. Ensuring sustainability requires strengthening convergence, enhancing transparency, and empowering local governance. NRuM can promote long-term, equitable, and inclusive rural development if it is implemented well.

Way forward

To strengthen the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission, an even more decentralized and collaborative strategy is essential. Local ownership can be increased by giving Panchayati Raj Institutions more decision-making power and capacity-building assistance. Better resource use will be ensured by improved convergence mechanisms with precise rules and deadlines across programs. Transparency and accountability can be increased by fortifying the CGF, implementing real-time monitoring systems, and carrying out frequent third-party evaluations. Finally, but just as importantly, long-term sustainability and local relevance of interventions depend on ongoing community engagement and awareness efforts.

References

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