Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) model, conceptualized by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, is a strategy for rural development that aims to bridge the rural-urban divide. It envisions transforming rural areas into economically vibrant and self-reliant entities by providing them with infrastructure and amenities comparable to those available in urban centers. This holistic approach moves beyond traditional rural development programs focused solely on agriculture, aiming for integrated growth encompassing economic, social, and ecological dimensions. The model gained prominence in the early 2000s as a potential solution to address the growing disparities between rural and urban India.
Core Components of the PURA Model
The PURA model is built upon three interconnected units:
- Local Enterprise Unit: This focuses on creating local employment opportunities through the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based on local resources and skills.
- Infrastructure Unit: This involves providing essential infrastructure like reliable power supply, quality roads, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and robust communication networks (internet, mobile connectivity).
- Knowledge Unit: This emphasizes the importance of education, skill development, and access to information and communication technology (ICT) to empower rural communities and enhance their capabilities.
Objectives of the PURA Model
The primary objectives of the PURA model are:
- Economic Growth: To stimulate economic activity in rural areas by promoting entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities.
- Social Development: To improve the quality of life in rural areas by providing access to essential services like education, healthcare, and sanitation.
- Reduced Migration: To discourage rural-urban migration by creating attractive livelihood options in rural areas.
- Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide: To reduce the disparities in infrastructure, amenities, and opportunities between rural and urban areas.
Implementation and Examples
The implementation of the PURA model has been undertaken through various initiatives, including the PURA scheme launched by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2006. However, the scheme faced challenges in effective implementation.
Hivre Bazar, Maharashtra is often cited as a successful example of the PURA model. Through community participation and effective leadership, Hivre Bazar transformed itself from a drought-prone village into a prosperous and self-sufficient entity. Key interventions included water conservation measures, diversification of agriculture, promotion of dairy farming, and the establishment of a local processing unit.
Another example is the cluster development approach in certain parts of Andhra Pradesh, where groups of villages were connected with improved infrastructure and provided with support for developing local industries. However, scalability and sustainability remained concerns.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its potential, the PURA model has faced several challenges:
- Land Acquisition: Acquiring land for infrastructure development can be a complex and time-consuming process.
- Funding Constraints: Securing adequate funding for the implementation of PURA projects can be difficult.
- Lack of Community Participation: Effective implementation requires active participation and ownership by local communities.
- Coordination Issues: Coordinating between different government departments and agencies can be challenging.
- Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of PURA projects requires careful planning and management.
Government Initiatives & Modifications
Recognizing the challenges, the government has modified its approach. The Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), launched in 2014, aligns with the PURA vision by focusing on skill development and employment generation in rural areas. Furthermore, initiatives like BharatNet (providing broadband connectivity to all villages) and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) contribute to the infrastructure component of the PURA model.
Conclusion
The PURA model remains a relevant and valuable framework for rural development in India. While the initial implementation faced hurdles, the core principles of integrated development, infrastructure provision, and skill enhancement continue to guide government policies and programs. Success hinges on effective community participation, robust funding mechanisms, and streamlined coordination between various stakeholders. A renewed focus on local resource mobilization and sustainable practices is crucial for realizing the full potential of the PURA model and achieving inclusive growth.
Answer Length
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