The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is one of the initiatives by the Indian government for the development of rural areas through rurbanization. The SPMRM policy, one of its kind has defined the term ‘rurban’ in the Indian context with respect to population and its geographical locations.
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission was launched by the Prime Minister in 2016. It was launched under the Union Ministry of Rural Development with the vision of "Development of a cluster of villages that preserve and promote the essence of rural community life with a focus on equity and inclusiveness, thus creating a cluster of "Rurban Villages". A 'Rurban cluster' is a cluster of geographically bordering villages with a population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and with a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas. The aim is to develop rural areas by ensuring economic, social and physical infrastructure facilities.
The main objectives:
✓ Provide facilities to rural areas which are available to the urban area. These clusters were to be selected for well-planned and holistic development.
✓ Promote the development of the local economy.
✓ Promote the development of the value chain and develop market access.
✓ Improve market access includes the construction of agri-link roads, pedestrian footpaths, inter-village road connectivity projects etc.
✓ Promote agriculture and allied activities and eco-tourism.
✓ Conserve the local environment and sites of historical importance to encourage tourism
Expected outcomes of the mission:
✓ Bridging the rural-urban divide; Economic, technological and those related to facilities and services.
✓ Stimulating local economic development with emphasis on the reduction of poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
✓ Spreading development in the region.
✓ Attracting investment in rural areas.