PM Modi pulls out all stops to revive India's rural sector

NEW DELHI: Use of technology to fast-track road construction and connecting villages is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra to revive the rural economy and reach out to farmers. At a review meeting of the rural sector, Modi asked officials to use technology such as mobile apps, G-tagging and engage citizens to accelerate implementation of works related to rural roads, a move that is intended to signal the government's bid to counter the perception that BJP is losing ground in rural areas and with the farm sector.

As the BJP dispensation completes two years in office next month, the PM's focus seems to be on implementation by putting in place a governance mechanism more attuned to public service delivery. "The PM emphasised on outcome-based monitoring, fixing of short-term and long-term goals with a timeline to speed up the implementation process," said a source, adding that the plan is to keep bureaucracy on its toes by making it more accountable.

The move came after a major policy shift was seen in the government's budget announcements which placed farmers and rural India as key to the Centre's grand plan for the country's economic revival.



As per the plan, a scheme would be launched in three months for providing transport services to connect villages and efforts will be made to involve ex-servicemen and women in the initiative. Niti Aayog was asked to set goals and a timeframe for meeting the target and its CEO Amitabh Kant made a presentation at the review meeting.