There is a lack of accurate data on India’s rural region and thus policy making becomes difficult for the government.
India's Evolving Rural Landscape
Rural Population Growth: India's rural population has grown significantly, with an estimated 60% of Indians living in rural areas today, marked by an increase in the number of large villages.
Challenges of Classification: Large villages face issues in being reclassified as urban areas due to criteria related to non-agricultural employment.
Uncertainty of Outcomes: The effects of bifurcating large villages, creating new gram Panchayats, and municipal corporations on governance and residents remain uncertain.
The Diverse Nature of Rural Economies
Economic Diversity: Rural India is not solely agricultural; it hosts factories contributing substantially to manufacturing output.
Rural Workforce Composition: Around 60% of rural male workers are self-employed, and 27% are casual laborers.
Persistent Landholding Issue: Small land holdings, a problem identified by Ambedkar, continue to pose challenges for rural livelihoods.
Need for Holistic Rural Development
Historical Initiatives: Various policies have been implemented to support rural livelihoods, but they often address symptoms rather than root causes.
Lack of Intellectual Debate: There is a dearth of intellectual discourse on comprehensive rural development strategies in contemporary public discourse.
Call for Visionary Plans: Ahead of the 2024 elections, political parties must propose holistic plans for rural India, recognizing that the majority of the population still resides in these areas.