New Delhi, Feb 21 This Friday is the fourth anniversary of the launch of Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM). But what is it anyway?
To put it simply, it's a collated term for rural and urban. Rural clusters which illustrate potential for growth have economic drivers and derive locational and competitive advantages. That's 'rurban' which is not rural but not yet urban.
According to the government, "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'. "
On this day, four years ago, the scheme was launched with a vision to develope 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".
It also had a significance as far as its launch date is concerned it is named after BJP's mentor Deendayal Upadhyay.
While launching it in 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Through 'Rurban' mission, the government aims to combine the spirit of villages and facilities of cities." Calling it an amalgamation of "rural soul and urban amenities," it was launched with an initial outlay of Rs 5,142.08 crore.
( With inputs from IANS )