Figure 3: No Copyright Infringement Intended

Context:

• Government is seeking expression of interest to engage private players in Rurban clusters.

About the Rurban Mission:

• Large parts of rural areas in the country are not stand-alone 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.

Targeted objectives:

• Bridging the rural-urban divide-viz: economic, technological and those related to facilities and services.
•  Stimulating local economic development with emphasis on reduction of poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
• Spreading development in the region.
• Attracting investment in rural areas.

Role of States:

• The State Government identifies the clusters in accordance with the Framework for Implementation prepared by the MoRD.
• For the selection of clusters, the MoRD is adopting a scientific process of cluster selection which involves an objective analysis at the district, sub district and village level, of the Demography, Economy, Tourism and pilgrimage significance and transportation corridor impact.

Pros:

• Improve connectivity: It will bridge the gap between rural and urban areas by improving physical and communication connectivity,
• Encourage reverse migration: Because of the abundance of urban amenities and jobs, reverse migration will be encouraged,
• Enhanced Purchasing Power:  Rural residents’ purchasing power will rise as a result of increased job prospects,
• Reap demographic dividend:  It will aid in the utilization of India’s demographic dividend by providing rural residents with access to skill development centers.
• Strengthen the smart cities:  The Smart Cities Mission will be boosted since the redesigned smart cities will no longer have to shoulder the burden of rural migration,

Cons:

• Requires high coordination: Success will necessitate collaboration among multiple groups, including the Union Rural Development Ministry, state governments, and the corporate sector.
• Increase in Operational cost: Rurban clusters will be established under the Private Public Partnership (PPP) concept. This, however, will result in an increase in operational costs
• Won’t work in North-eastern area: Private corporations may be unwilling to work with the government to establish rurban clusters in areas with law-and-order difficulties, such as J&K and the North East.

Conclusion:

• Administrative and governance flaws can be addressed through competent governance. Rurbanisation has a lot of potentials to help our country’s economic growth, which is a major advantage that includes the rural area.

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