Question

Read the following text carefully:
The Union Budget 2025-26 proposed a significant package for rural India allocating ₹ 1.88 lakh crore to drive comprehensive development. The budget emphasises on boosting employment, women employment, education and infrastructure in rural areas, reflecting the government's commitment for a stronger, self-reliant rural economy. The extension of Jal-Jeevan Mission until 2028, with focus on achieving 100% rural water supply coverage and enhancing infrastructure maintenance. Broadband connectivity is set to expand under the Bharatnet project, providing internet access to all rural government secondary schools and primary health care centres.
Also, the budget highlights major rural schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana which has provided all-weather roads to rural areas. The Pradhan Mantri Grameen Awaas Yojana, which has delivered housing to economically weaker sections. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) continues to secure rural livelihoods with an allocation of ₹ 86,000 crore in FY 2024-25. On the basis of the above text and common understanding, answer the following questions:

• [(i)] Explain the significance of rural development.
• [(ii)] Discuss any two policies initiated by Government of India for rural development.

Hint:

Rural development → Growth + Employment + Infrastructure + Equity

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Rural development is a comprehensive term that focuses on the action for the development of areas that are lagging behind in the overall development of the national economy.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Majority Population: More than two-thirds of India's population lives in rural areas. National development is impossible without rural development.
2. Food Security: Rural areas are the primary source of food for the entire nation. Improving agricultural productivity is vital for food security.
3. Poverty Alleviation: A large concentration of India's poor is found in rural areas. Schemes like MGNREGS mentioned in the text provide a safety net and help in reducing poverty.
4. Infrastructure and Connectivity: As the text mentions (roads, broadband), rural infrastructure connects rural produce to urban markets, driving economic efficiency.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Rural development is significant because it leads to balanced growth, social justice, and poverty reduction.
II
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The government uses specific targeted schemes to address various aspects of rural life like employment and infrastructure.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(Based on the provided text):
1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): This policy provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It secures rural livelihoods.
2. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): This policy aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations. This helps farmers reach markets easily and improves rural-urban integration.
Step 3: Final Answer:
MGNREGS focuses on employment security, while PMGSY focuses on infrastructure and connectivity.