CHANGE IN MINDSET
MUST FOR SUCCESS OF RURAL
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES: SHANTA KUMAR
Rural Development
Minister Shri Shanta Kumar has called for change in the mindset
of the policy planners and those responsible for implementation
of the programmes to make a qualitative difference for the rural
poor. He was delivering the inaugural address at the National
Workshop on ‘Rural Livelihood Futures’ here today. The Minister
said, what is important is the effective implementation of the
schemes for which there is no dearth of funds. Emphasizing on
the need for a change in vision and attitude, Shri Shanta Kumar
said, growth should be accompanied by social justice.
Describing poverty
as the biggest challenge before the developed and civilized world,
he said hunger and poverty continue to exist despite the enormous
progress made by the mankind. Shri Shanta Kumar said, the Government
is trying to eliminate hunger and poverty through different schemes.
The Minister expressed his concern over the fall in the growth
of employment opportunities in rural areas despite a higher overall
growth rates as brought out by the latest National Sample Survey.
Shri Shanta Kumar said, the identification of the beneficiaries
is of utmost significance, as that will ensure the success of
the Scheme.
Speaking on the
occasion Rural Development Secretary Shri M. Shankar said that
the task of rural development is of enormous size and magnitude.
He said, the objective of the government programmes and schemes
is to help the most vulnerable section of the people. He hoped,
the workshop may come out with recommendations and how to help
the vulnerable section in providing employment after the implementation
of the policy of liberalization.
The three days
workshop has been organized by the Ministry of Rural Development
and the Overseas Development Institute, London, to focus the different
aspects of employment and livelihood opportunities in the changing
circumstances. The workshop will explore how policy can realistically
be modified to give better support to rural people’s livelihood
options. About 150 experts from different fields are attending
the workshop.
