Employment & Welfare Schemes (Part – IV)

In 1957, Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended for 'Democratic Decentralization'.

After Independence, the first organized attempt to develop village cattle on an effective scale was initiated with the launch of Key Village Scheme (KVS) in August, 1952. KVS was a general comprehensive scheme drawn up by Government of India for development of cattle population in India by employing scientific methods for improvement of cattle. The Central Government established District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in 1980 as a body of professionals to plan, monitor and evaluate rural development programmes

at district level. DRDA Administration Scheme was intro- duced from 1 April, 1999. The DRDA is the principal organ at the district level to manage and oversee the implementation of different anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development.

In 1957, Balwant Rai Mehta Committee recommended for 'Democratic Decentralization'.

After Independence, the first organized attempt to develop village cattle on an effective scale was initiated with the launch of Key Village Scheme (KVS) in August, 1952. KVS was a general comprehensive scheme drawn up by Government of India for development of cattle population in India by employing scientific methods for improvement of cattle. The Central Government established District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in 1980 as a body of professionals to plan, monitor and evaluate rural development programmes

at district level. DRDA Administration Scheme was intro- duced from 1 April, 1999. The DRDA is the principal organ at the district level to manage and oversee the implementation of different anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development.

The community development programme in India has been defined by the planning commission. According to them, it is an attempt made to bring and initiate economic and social transformation in the lives of villagers with the help of their efforts. The programme for community development indicates only those economic and social reconstruction projects in the villages that are implemented with the help of the cooperation of the people.
A.R. Desia has also defined this programme as the method by which the Five Year Plans can initiate the economic and social life transformation of the rural areas. So, in other words, it is a project for community development that is controlled by the community. In this programme, the community is referred to only the villages. The aims for this programme were explained in 1973 and was laid down by the Indian Government. The community development programme started in 1952 and was launched on October 2nd 1952. The major aim of this programme was to bring an integrated development in the rural society, that covers all the aspects of the life of people.
The concept of the current schemes that are under CDP is based on the old concept only. So, the history of community development programmes in India has been protected, and it is still being followed. The Panchayat Samities are granted in-aid under the Social Education and General Education head. This is for those activities that lead to development in the educational fields. The completion of residential buildings for staff or Blocks for the construction, along with Gram Sewak Huts, are provided with funds. These funds are also given for completing the ongoing construction of office buildings

The key objectives of Community Development Programmes are:

• Most community development programmes aim at the overall development of rural areas. They focus on improving the social and economic conditions of rural people.
• Many programmes seek to reduce poverty and generate employment opportunities in rural areas. They provide skills and resources to improve the livelihoods of the poor.
• Community development programmes follow a participatory approach. The community actively participates in planning and implementation. This ensures people's needs and priorities are met.
• Programmes focus on building the organizational, technical, and managerial capacities of the community. This empowers them to sustain development activities on their own.
• The programmes aim to bring about positive social change in the community. They change mindsets, attitudes, and traditions that hinder development.
  The ultimate aim is to make the community self-reliant by improving human and social capital. This enables them to meet their own needs in a sustainable manner.
• The programmes seek to enhance the living standards of rural people.

The term "Antyodaya" refers to a philosophy and various government programs focused on the upliftment of the poorest and most marginalized sections of society, with the core principle of ensuring the development of the "last person". Several programs across India utilize the Antyodaya concept, including Mission Antyodaya and Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

All the poor, or beneficiaries-as we call them- get food and other commodities under the AAY scheme. This is done at subsidized rates. The distribution also takes place through a public distribution system. As per this initiative, wheat is provided at Rs.3 per Kg, Rice for Rs.2 per Kg. All eligible families will get 35 Kg of rice every month. Families which come under this section can buy 1 kg of sugar at a rate of Rs.18.50 per Kg through ration shops.
The beneficiaries of the AAY are identified by the Central and State Government of India. Once the identification is done, different coloured ration cards will be given to AAY families. A yellow card is given for AAY families in Kerala while Telangana has a Pink ration card which is used by AAY beneficiaries. First, the family is identified as eligible and then they are given a unique "Antyodaya Ration Card". The other name for this card is PDS(public distribution card) which means yellow card

APY is open to all bank account holders in the age group of 18 to 40 years and the contribution differ, based on their age and pension amount chosen. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect. The monthly guaranteed pension would be available to the subscriber, and after him to his spouse and after their death, the pension corpus, as accumulated at age 60 of the subscriber, would be returned to the nominee of the subscriber. Hence, statement 3 is correct.