Introduction

As per Census of India statistics, the rural population in India stands at 833 million, constitutingalmost 68% of the total population. Further, the rural population has shown a growth of 12%and an increase in the absolute number of villages by 2279 units during the 2001-2011 periods.1Large parts of ruralareas in the country are not stand-alonesettlements but part ofa cluster of settlements, which ar relatively proximate to each other. These clusters typically illustrate potential for
growth, have economic drivers and derive locational and competitive advantages. Theseclusters once developed can then be classified as ‘Rurban’. Taking cognizance of this, Union Cabinet approved the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) on September 16, 2015, with an outlay of Rs. 5142.08 crores. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Rurban Mission from Kurubhat, in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh on February 21, 2016.

Vision

The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) envisions the development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life with a focus on equity and inclusiveness, while providing facilities typically associated with urban areas. These clusters are referred to as “Rurban Villages”.

Objective

The core objective of SPMRM is to stimulate local economic development, enhance basic services, and create well-planned Rurban clusters that integrate rural and urban qualities for balanced growth.

What is a Rurban Cluster?

A Rurban cluster is a geographically contiguous group of villages, generally with a population of 25,000 to 50,000 in plain and coastal areas and 5,000 to 15,000 in desert, hilly, or tribal areas. These clusters serve as growth centres capable of leading the region’s economic transformation.

Mission Outcomes

The mission aims to bridge the rural-urban divide in terms of economic opportunities, technology, services, and infrastructure. It seeks to stimulate economic development, reduce poverty and unemployment, attract investment to rural areas, and ensure inclusive regional development.

Scheme Component

The mission ensures convergence of various Centrally Sponsored, Central Sector, and State Government schemes in a time-bound and integrated manner. Fourteen key components are suggested for inclusion, such as skill development, agro-processing, mobile health units, school upgrades, sanitation, piped water, waste management, roads, public transport, LPG connections, digital literacy, and citizen service centres.

Selection of Rurban Clusters SPMRM distinguishes between Non-Tribal and Tribal clusters.

Non-Tribal Clusters:

These are selected from a list of sub-districts provided by the Centre, based on parameters like decadal rural population growth, land value rise, non-farm workforce growth, girls’ school enrollment, PMJDY account penetration, Swachh Bharat performance, and good governance initiatives. 80% weightage is given to the first four parameters; the remaining can be chosen by states with a total 20% weight.

Tribal Clusters:

Selected from top 100 tribal districts based on Scheduled Tribe population. Key parameters include decadal growth in tribal population, tribal literacy rates, and growth in non-farm work force. These also receive 80% parameter weight, with flexibility for states to add relevant criteria.

Progress and Achievements

As of February 2023, out of 300 sanctioned clusters, 298 are approved, 291 ICAPs and 282 DPRs are developed with an investment of ₹27,716.19 crore. Of the 75,999 projected works, 39,554 have been completed and 13,932 are ongoing. Aibawk cluster in Aizawl, Mizoram, was the first to complete all 48 planned projects.

Success Stories

In Aibawk, infrastructure projects like agri-link roads, footpaths, inter-village connectivity, and public utilities have enhanced market access and social infrastructure, improving economic outcomes and quality of life.

Evaluation and Impact

NITI Aayog acknowledged that SPMRM is reducing urban migration by ensuring basic infrastructure and utilities in rural areas, thereby promoting transformational development.