The Economic Survey 2024-25 outlines the government’s focus on rural infrastructure, housing, and livelihood development. It aims for equitable growth under the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the survey in Parliament, highlighting efforts to improve rural living standards through housing, employment, and financial inclusion.
Rural housing and infrastructure development
The survey reports 2.69 crore houses built under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) since 2016. Each house generates about 314 person-days of employment, boosting economic activity and housing security.
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is expanding road connectivity in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) areas. The target is to build 8,000 km of roads by relaxing population norms.
Employment and financial inclusion in rural areas
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has introduced geotagging and digital payments to reduce leakages. Aadhaar-based payments now cover 96.3% of active workers. In December 2024, 99.23% of wage transactions were processed through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS).
Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), over 10 crore poor households have joined 90.90 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These groups have accessed ₹9.85 lakh crore in bank credit.
Social welfare and legal assistance
DAY-NRLM is implementing Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW) interventions across 5,369 blocks in 682 districts to improve public health. Additionally, 32 State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) are addressing gender and social inclusion issues.
For legal support in rural areas, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, have improved access to justice. As of October 2024, 313 Gram Nyayalayas resolved over 2.99 lakh cases since December 2020.
The Economic Survey underscores rural infrastructure, employment, and financial inclusion. These initiatives aim to bridge economic gaps, enhance rural livelihoods, and support sustainable development.
