Objectives of IRDP

The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) was one of the most significant poverty alleviation initiatives undertaken by the Government of India. Launched in 1978 and implemented across the country, the IRDP aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods to the rural poor by improving their income-generating capabilities. This program was part of a broader effort to address rural poverty and to ensure that the benefits of economic development reached the most marginalized sections of society. In this article, we will explore the key objectives of the IRDP and how it sought to transform the rural economy of India.

The IRDP was first launched by the Indian Government in 1978 and came into effect in 1980. The primary objective of the initiative was to encourage upskilling and employment opportunities in rural areas, which would ultimately improve the quality of life. This was a comprehensive program geared towards the development of people in rural areas, as basic amenities like education, clean drinking water, healthcare, etc., were included in the program delivery. The delivery of the program was through loans and subsidies.

The funding of the program, as laid out in the objectives of IRDP, was to be split between the state and central government at a 50:50 ratio. Throughout its lifespan, the scheme covered more than 50 million people with a per capita spending of approximately Rs. 13,700.

The IRDP scheme was discontinued in 1999 and merged with other programs for rural development. This was done to bring all initiatives under a single umbrella, named the Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana.

The key objectives of the IRDP included:

• Providing and further encouraging opportunities for employment to people living under the poverty line to enhance their quality of life.
• Improving agricultural production and uplifting the scale of industry in rural areas.
• Creating assets that will generate consistent income.
• Offering long-term employment options to help the target population come above the poverty line and provide a stable source of income, like the MGNREGA program.

The IRDP made subsidies available to the targeted groups covered under the IRDP scheme according to their distinct requirements. The following table outlines the conditions for subsidy provision and the groups covered under the scheme:

The IRDP was conceptualised as a program with equal funding from both the state and central governments. In this joint initiative, the states received funds from the central government based on the total rural population in a state compared to the country’s total rural population.

Eligibility for the same required a benefactor to be:

• Under the poverty line
• Enrolled in studies in at least standard 9. Or the benefactor could be in a university. In either case, the institutions should be aided by the government.

Step1. Visiting the official portal

Step 2. The next step is to navigate to the ‘New Registration’ option, click on it, and get started with the process.

Step 3. Carefully input all the requisite details, including the applicant's name, mobile number, date of birth, and email ID. Other details that will also be asked are the domicile, gender, type of scheme, and scholarship category.

Step 4. Next, enter your bank details and complete the identification process by either entering your bank details or your Aadhaar Card details.

Step 5. The details are to be verified through a one-time password sent to your registered mobile number.

Step 6. The next step is to fill out the form that comes up with all your details and check and recheck before submitting.

Step 7. Once you complete the form, a unique ID and password will be generated to proceed further.

Step 8. Upload all relevant documentation, which will include your identity proof, record of your land, caste, income, and address.

Step 9. Once you submit the form after uploading all required documents, it is essential to track the application’s process from the same portal.

The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) was a landmark initiative in India’s efforts to combat rural poverty and promote inclusive development. Through its focus on income generation, asset creation, and infrastructure development, the IRDP sought to transform the lives of the rural poor and to create a more equitable and prosperous rural economy. While the program faced challenges in its implementation, its objectives and achievements continue to serve as a foundation for current and future rural development initiatives in India. The lessons learned from the IRDP underscore the importance of targeted interventions, community participation, and integrated approaches in achieving sustainable rural development.

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