India still lives in rural areas. As per Census 2011, rural areas of the country accommodate 68 per cent of the population. There are 6.4 lakh villages in India and rural areas account for a larger part of the geographical area in India. Even though urbanization is on fast mode, it is projected that half of the population still live in rural areas by 2050. Agriculture is the principal livelihood of rural areas. Agricultural sector and rural areas forms the backbone of Indian economy. Agricultural sector is not only inportant for meeting food supply needs of India, but also promotes development of agro based industries and other industries sector etc. Rural economy constitutes 46 per cent of national income and 70 per cent of workforce are residing in india. Hence development of these rural areas is necessary for achieving overall and inclusive development of the country.
The potential of the rural & agricultural sectors can not be harnessed without proper access to rural infrastructure like rural roads, markets, electricity,l water and irrigation facilities etc. Rural infrastructure plays a vital role in overall development of these ares by reaching the large section of rural poor. If rural infrastructure is deteriorated or is non-existent, the cost of marketing farm produce can be exorbitant for poor farmers. Poor rural infrastructure also limits the ability of the traders to travel to and communicate with remote farming areas, limiting market access from these areas and eliminating competition for their produce. Good rural road network inevitably leads to increase in agricultural production and productivity by bringing in new land into cultivation or by intensifying existing land use to take advantage of expanded market opportunities. infrastructure facilities such as rural roads, tracks, bridges, irrigation network, water supplies, schools, health centers, markets and electricity are required in rural areas for the local population to fulfill therr basic needs and live a social and economically productive life. The diference between the rural areas and urban areas of the country is mainly due to the accessibility of infrastructure facilities. The challenges of unplaed urbanization or urban agglomeration and migration or rural population to urban areas is in want of accessing og these living. Provisioning of infrastructure facilities will not only promote development of these areas but also contribute to the overall development of the country. However, provision of these facilities requires massive investments. This article makes an attenpt to look at the provisions announced ion Union Budget 2018-19 for these key sectors, which are the pillars of wverall development of the country.
Conclusion:
Budget has rightly recognized the nedd for developing rural areas and massive investments in the sectors lide housing, roads, drinking water, ilectricity, cleanliness, farming, health, education telecom/ broadband etc. are taken up in a big way.It has clearly spelled out the physical target and financials for creating livelihiids and developing rural areas of the country, without which inclusive and sustainable development is a day dream. The budget surely leaves a hope for positive change in the rural landscape in coming years.
