Sixth anniversary of the launch of the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission.

Why in news?

• 21st February 2022 marked the 6th anniversary of the launch of the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission(SPMRM), undertaken by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• In 2016, PM launched the SPMRM with an aim to develop 300 Rurban clusters in India by provisioning economic, social and physical infrastructure facilities.
• So far, the Ministry of Rural Development has approved 296 clusters under SPMRM.

About Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

• Rurban cluster is a cluster of geographically contiguous villages with a population of around 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and with a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas.
• Objective: To stimulate local economic development, enhance basic services, and create well planned Rurban clusters.
• Key Points:
• SPMRM focuses on cluster-based integrated development through Spatial Planning.
• The Rurban clusters are identified across the rural areas of India which shows the increasing signs of urbanisation.
• The signs include an increase in population density, high levels of non-farm employment, the presence of growing economic activities and other socioeconomic parameters.
• The mission aims to transform the Rurban clusters by stimulating local economic development, enhancing basic services, and creating well planned Rurban clusters.
• There will be two categories of clusters under SPMRM: Non-Tribal and Tribal.
• Outcomes: The anticipated outcomes under the mission are,
• Bridging the rural-urban divide through economic, technological and those related to facilities and services.
• Stimulating local economic development with emphasis on reduction of poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
• Spreading development in the region.
• Attracting investment in rural areas.