Integrated Rural Development Programme concept (IRDP)

Integrated Rural Development Programme concept (IRDP)

       
  • IRDP is a very major programme of poverty alleviation and rural development. The meaning of the term integrated, basically implies the provision of a package of interlinked programmes mutually supporting and reinforcing so that a one-dimensional approach to development is avoided so, the integration is horizontal, vertical, spatial and temporal.
    Integration covers four principal dimensions:
    i. Integration of sectoral programmes.
    ii. Spatial integration.
    iii. Integration of social and economic processes.
    iv. The policies with a view to achieving a better fit between growth, removal of poverty and employment generation.
    Specifically, it involves a sharp focus on target groups, comprising small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers and rural artisans, and an extremely location specific planning in rural areas.
  • IRDP was envisaged to help small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers and rural artisans.
  • The approaches followed for SFDA, MFAL, DPAP and CAD programmes were proposed to be utilized according to their relevance’s in particular areas to generate employment opportunities and increase production.
    Objectives
  • The main objectives are creating assets, employment, increased income removal of poverty and minimizing in equality
    IRD Programmes were
    • Programmes of Agriculture Development including efficient utilization of land and water resources with scientific technology.
    • Programmes of animal husbandry as a subsidiary occupation dirked mainly to small farmers and Agricultural Labour households.
    • Programmes of marine fishery including harvesting of natural resources through trawlers, mechanised country boats.
    • Programmes of social forestry and farm forestry.
    • Programmes of village and cottage industries including handlooms, sericulture and beekeeping as important occupations for the artisan classes of the rural population.
    • Programme of service sector of the rural economy as self-employment for poorer families.
    • Programmes for skill formation and mobility of labour to meet the needs of organized labour for development works.
    The IRDP concept was launched in 1978-79 in 2300 blocks in the country and it was extended to all blocks in the country with effect from 2to Oct. 1980. Simultaneously SFDA's were merged with IRDP.
    Target Beneficiaries of IRDP
  • IRDP focuses mainly on providing assistance (subsidiary and institutional credit) to selected families for income generating assets in order to range their incomes through self employment so that they can move above the poverty line.
  • IRDP follows the principle of the "poorest of the poor first”. Hence, although the poverty line (PL) has been defined as Rs 6,400 as annual family income, only those families with an annual income of less than Rs 4,800 are eligible for assistance under this programme.
    The target group includes:
    • Small farmers, marginal farmers, agricultural laborers rural artisans and other families which are below the poverty line.
    • At least 30 per cent of the families are to be drawn from SC's/STS.
    • At least 30 per cent of the beneficiaries are to be women.
    Implementation and funding of IRDP
  • The district rural development agency (DRDA) was created to function at the district level as a single agency for the implementation of IRDP, DPAP, DPP etc., to implement integrated rural development.
  • Funds for the programme are released to DRDA’s on the stipulation that expenditure should be equally shared by the centre and the state.
    Short comings/drawbacks of IRDP
    • The resources provided were inadequate.
    • There was large number of over dues.
    • Poor quality of assets provided to the beneficiaries.
    • The follow up of the beneficiaries was inadequate.
    • Lack of training facilities to s-mall and marginal farmers.

Last modified: Tuesday, 8 May 2012, 10:26 AM