What are the Main Issues of our Tenth Plan (India)?

The Approach Paper to the Tenth Plan discussed the main issues during the plan period as under: Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana-SGSY (IRDP and allied programmes) should be transformed into a micro-finance programme to be run by banks with no subsidy on the lines of Rashtriya Mahila Kosh.

The Approach Paper to the Tenth Plan discussed the main issues during the plan period as under:

1. Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana-SGSY (IRDP and allied programmes) should be transformed into a micro-finance programme to be run by banks with no subsidy on the lines of Rashtriya Mahila Kosh.

2. Funds to gram sabhas should be extended only when the people contribute a substantial amount, say, 25 per cent in normal blocks and 15 per cent in tribal/poor blocks.

3. Employment programmes should be replaced by food for work programmes to be run only in areas of distress. In all areas, the focus should be on undertaking productive works and their maintenance, such as rural roads, watershed development, and rejuvenation of tanks, aforestation and irrigation.

4. Rural development funds should also be used for enhancing the budgetary allocation of successful rural development schemes that are being run by State governments, or for meeting the State contribution for donor assisted programmes for poverty alleviation.

5. Special efforts should be made to strengthen the economy of the marginal and small farmers, forest produce gatherers, artisans and unskilled workers. The poor should not merely benefit from growth generated elsewhere, they should contribute to growth.

6. Special efforts must be made to encourage development of small industry and other industries suited for rural areas to provide non-farm employment in rural areas.