In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Government unveiled a series of programmes aimed at improving rural livelihoods, agricultural productivity, and infrastructure in aspirational districts and other backward regions. These initiatives are designed to enhance opportunities for rural populations and address key challenges in underdeveloped areas.

1. Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme

A comprehensive multi-sectoral programme titled ‘Rural Prosperity and Resilience’ has been announced to address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and by invigorating the rural economy.

• Focus Areas:Rural women,young farmers and rural youth,marginal and small farmers and landless families.

• Goal: To generate employment opportunities in rural areas, making migration an option but not a necessity.

• Implementation:

• Lead Department: Department of Rural Development

• Partner Departments:

• Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

• Department of Financial Services

2. Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojna

A new programme, ‘Prime Minister Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojna,’ has been announced to improve agricultural productivity and farmer support in 100 districts with low productivity,moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters.

Programme Objectives:

• Benefit 1.7 crore farmers.

• Enhance agricultural productivity.

• Improve irrigation facilities.

• Facilitate long-term and short-term credit access.

• Implementation: The programme will involve convergence across departments to ensure holistic development.

3. Cluster Facilitation Project under MGNREGS

The Cluster Facilitation Project (CFP), launched on 1st April 2020, focuses on accelerating development in 231 blocks of 108 Aspirational Districts and 46 backward area blocks by improving planning and ensuring effective implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

4. Rural Connectivity through PMGSY

The Government is improving rural connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which provides all-weather roads to eligible unconnected habitations.

• Key Interventions/Verticals:
  
  

• PMGSY-II: Upgradation of rural roads.

• RCPLWEA: Road connectivity for Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Areas.

• PMGSY-III: Construction of strategically important roads in LWE-affected areas.

• Achievements till 07.03.2025:
  
  

• Total road length sanctioned: 77,403 km.

• Completed road length: 74,969 km.

PMGSY-IV:

A new vertical, PMGSY-IV, was launched on 11th September 2024 to provide all-weather connectivity for habitations with:

• 500+ population in plain areas.

• 250+ population in North East (NE) and Hill States/UTs, special category areas, and Aspirational Districts/Blocks.

• 100+ population in LWE-affected districts (as per Census 2011).

Target and Budget:

• Total outlay: ₹70,125 crore (2024–29).

• Connectivity goal: 25,000 unconnected habitations.

• Implementation: Central and State Governments are working together to submit proposals for the scheme.

5. Awareness and Outreach Initiatives

Efforts are being made to ensure widespread awareness and participation in these welfare schemes through:

• Localized Campaigns: Community radio stations and outreach programs.

• Technology-Driven Initiatives: Mobile apps, SMS services for information dissemination.

• Community Engagement: Involvement of community leaders and self-help groups to educate rural populations about the benefits of these programmes.

These measures aim to create a self-reliant and prosperous rural ecosystem, fostering socio-economic growth and resilience in aspirational districts and beyond.