Rural development and poverty alleviation have been the major areas of concern
and thrust for thenation since independence. The Community Development Programme
consisting of various sets of schemes was launched on 2nd October, 1952
throughout the country with the objective of overall development of rural areas
with the active participation of the community. Development Blocks were created
and considered pivotal for planning and implementation of various rural
development schemes. Upto the year 1999 self-employment schemes such as IRDP,
TRYSEM, DWCRA, SITRA, MWS and GKY were being implemented, but w.e.f.
1.4.99 these schemes were merged into SGSY. Similarly, JGSY and EAS which were
in operation were merged into SGRY w.e.f.1.4.2002.
“Swaranjayanti Gram
Swarozgar Yojana” (SGSY) has been launched during the year 1999- 2000. This
yojana lays emphasis on cluster approach instead of individual beneficiary
approach which would enable the beneficiaries to start with viable projects in a
joint manner which can bring, higher incomes. This approach will also improve
the skills of the poor through an in-built training component, up-gradation of
technology, providing adequate backward and forward linkages, availability of
adequate infrastructure and better marketing arrangements. In order to provide
guaranteed wage employment to the needy persons in rural areas, who are willing
to do unskilled manual work, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(NREGS) has been launched in all the Districts of State of Himachal Pradesh.
Besides, DPAP/DDP/IWDP, Indira Awas Yojana, Total Sanitation Campaign
Projects, National Social Assistance Programme are the other centrally sponsored
schemes being implemented in the State. Panchayati Raj Institutions at various
levels are being involved in the planning and execution of poverty alleviation
and employment generation programmes so that it is ensured that the benefits
under these programmes reach the right person.
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