Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission- Approval of New Clusters

February 23, 2022

Marking the 6^th anniversary of Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission, ministry of Rural Development approved 296 clusters under it. 6^th anniversary was observed on February 21, 2022.

About Shyama Prasad Mukherji Mission

The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 for developing 300 clusters across India holistically by providing economic, social, and physical infrastructure abilities. The Mission focuses on cluster-based integrated development through Spatial Planning.

Rurban clusters

Rurban clusters are identified across rural areas in India, showing increasing signs of urbanization. These signs include-

Increase in population density
High levels of non-farm employment
Presence of increasing economic activities and other socioeconomic parameters.

For the purposes of the Mission, Rurban areas refer to a cluster of 15-20 villages with 30 to 40 lakh population. The clusters are geographically contiguous Gram Panchayats with population between 25000 to 50000 in plain & coastal areas while population between 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas.

Categories of Rurban Clusters

There are 2 categories of clusters namely, Non-Tribal and Tribal.

Objectives of the mission

Shyama Prasad Mukherji Mission focuses on cluster-based integrated development through Spatial Planning. The mission aims to transform Rurban clusters by enhancing basic services, stimulating local economic development, and creating well planned Rurban clusters. The Mission seeks to bridge the rural-urban divide, related to economic, technological, facilities and services.

Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA)

Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) is predecessor to Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission. It was announced in 2003. It was aimed at provisions of livelihood opportunities in rural areas and urban amenities to bridge the rural urban divide and reduce migration from rural to urban areas.