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Amidst Covid 19 Pandemic, India Achieves New Milestones in Rural Sector

Despite the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, about 1.85 crore people have been offered work in May 2021 under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The work offered is 52 percent higher than the one offered during the same period in May 2019.
In 2019, it was 1.22 crore persons. As of 13th May, 2021, 2.95 crore persons have been offered work in FY 2021-22. Thus completing 5.98 lakh assets and generating 34.56 crore person-days. The accomplishment has been achieved despite casualties either through death or infection among the operating staff at all levels, including those in the front line.

To provide relief and generate employment, Revolving Fund, and Community Investment Fund amounting to approximately Rs. 56 Crore has been released to women Self Help Groups in FY 2021 as compared to approximately Rs. 32 Crore in the same corresponding period in FY 2020.
Online training has been continuing for the staff and community cadres on-farm and non-Farm-based livelihoods The promotion of Agri-Nutri gardens by SHG households has also been continued in this period.

Even though rural India has been hit hard by the 2nd wave of raging COVID pandemic, the Ministry of Rural Development has ensured that the development works across the country should not be affected. During the period, the country has witnessed speed and progress in various schemes under the ministry. Apart from the developmental works, the Ministry has also trained nodal persons at state, district, and block levels to tackle the COVID-19 situation in rural areas.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin scheme like other rural development schemes has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to streamlined workflows, the Ministry has been able to log an expenditure of Rs. 5854 Crore in this financial year as compared to Rs. 2512 Crore in 2020-21 and Rs. 1411 Crore in 2019-20. These are about 43 percent and 24 percent more than in the comparable period.

Also Read: North-East India: The Shangri-La of Natural Resources Untamed

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