India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation depends profoundly on empowering its villages, where about 65% of the population lives and 47% rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. As Mahatma Gandhi has wisely said, the soul of India resides in its villages—a truth that remains relevant forever despite rapid urbanisation and technological changes. Therefore, rural transformation is not just a developmental aim but an ethical necessity for achieving the Viksit Bharat vision. By tackling systemic inequalities through infrastructure, digital inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods, India can unlock the potential of its over 664,000 villages to foster inclusive growth.
Challenges amid Opportunities: Rural India faces many complex issues that slow down national progress. Poverty remains a major problem, with numerous households living below the poverty line due to limited non-farm jobs, leading to underemployment and migration to cities. Infrastructure deficits- such as poor roads, electricity, water, and sanitation- exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially with climate change causing unpredictable weather, water shortages, and soil degradation. Gaps in health and education are evident: rural areas have higher child stunting rates (37.3% versus 30.1% urban) and limited access to quality services, impacting the Scheduled Castes and Tribes the most. Unemployment and agricultural distress continue, with agriculture growing only 3.8% in 2024-25, slower than the overall economy.
However, these challenges conceal significant opportunities. Rural areas are rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, and human talent. With strategic efforts, they can foster self-reliance and innovation. For instance, rural tourism in Rajasthan and Kerala creates jobs while safeguarding local culture. Initiatives like Skill India and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan provide youth with skills for non-farm roles, reducing reliance on agriculture. A World Bank report states that community-centred strategies can drive long-term growth by focusing on women-led enterprises and skill development.
Catalysts for Change: The Indian government’s commitment to rural empowerment is evident in the 2025-26 Union Budget, which allocates Rs 1,90,406 crore to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), representing an 8% increase from revised 2024-25 estimates. Major schemes focus on employment, infrastructure, and women’s empowerment. The MGNREGS offers wage security, although its restricted expenditure at 60% for 2025-26 raises concerns amid declining rural employment. PMAY-G has helped millions by providing housing, fostering dignity and economic stability. PMGSY enhances connectivity, while Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana improves irrigation efficiency.
Digital initiatives like BharatNet and Digital India extend broadband access to villages, promoting e-governance and financial inclusion. By 2025, more than 60% of farmers are expected to access digital advisory services for crop management. The SVAMITVA scheme employs drone mapping for property rights, reducing disputes and enabling loans—empowering villagers with precise ownership data. New schemes like PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana aim to improve farmer welfare, while the 2025-26 Budget introduces programmes in 100 low-productivity districts to boost credit access and productivity.
Border areas benefit from the Vibrant Villages Programme-II, approved with Rs 6,839 crore, transforming “last villages” into “first villages” with improved infrastructure and livelihoods.
Villages Leading the Way: Practical examples highlight the power of empowerment. In Fatehgarh block of Baramulla district, Mohammad Yousuf transformed his small kitchen garden into a flourishing vegetable orchard, earning significant income and inspiring local innovation through government-supported horticulture schemes. In Henle, Ladakh, a tribal village, collective efforts under IAPT/BARC supervision led to the establishment of night sky watching activities, created livelihoods through astro-tourism, and stemmed migration. Success stories in Baramulla include women-led mushroom farming, which earned ₹1.0 lakh in profit over three months, and dairy farming providing substantial livelihoods. Entrepreneurs like Taufeeq from Sheeri Anglers, Mohammad Yousuf from AY Securities in Narwaw, Naveed from RN Technologies, and Masood from Invisible Eye have successfully turned the ATL mission into a source of sustainable livelihood. These examples demonstrate how targeted interventions enhance economic resilience and social cohesion.
Cultural and sports initiatives also drive change. Events like the Baramulla Cup and the Kashmir Premier League involve over 50,000 rural players, breaking caste barriers, reducing addictions, and fostering community spirit—proving that sports can transform communities. Recently, Aquib Nabi from Baramulla has launched his career in domestic cricket, aiming to reach the international stage.
The Role of Technology and Economic Diversification: Technology drives rural revival, with initiatives like Smart Village, powered by NiralOS, combining AI, IoT, and renewable energy for better governance. Aadhaar-enabled systems have enhanced financial inclusion, making services more accessible. It is vital to diversify beyond agriculture by promoting skill schemes like PMKVY and supporting sectors like handloom and tourism. Women, who make up 70% of the handloom workforce, lead social and economic change. Cluster development and data-driven approaches, such as Maharashtra’s VSTF, increase impact. Women’s empowerment via self-help groups (SHGs) is essential, with programs like Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetam’s tech-based vocational training aligned with SDGs.
Economic reforms post-1991 have spurred rural growth, and recent advances since 2014 in water, electricity, and digital access reflect ongoing progress. Moving past farming- emphasised in policy discussions- focuses on creating non-agricultural jobs through cluster development and data-led governance.
Why Rural Empowerment is Essential: Neglecting rural transformation endures inequality and hampers India’s global ambitions. Villages are vital for sustainability; empowering them reduces migration, builds resilience, and boosts GDP. Critics point to implementation gaps, but success stories like Vibrant Villages show that progress is possible with proper monitoring and partnerships.
To advance progress, the government should increase spending beyond ₹50,000 crore on village infrastructure, renovating roads, schools, hospitals, and water systems. Expand AI and drone use for agriculture and governance, adopt successful models like Bastar’s tribal resource management, and leverage CSR for innovations like Maharashtra’s Village Social Transformation Foundation.
Rural empowerment is vital for a developed India, where villages become self-reliant. From tech-driven Satnavari to women-led enterprises in Tamil Nadu, momentum is growing. According to the World Bank, community approaches create lasting impacts. Amplifying rural voices through initiatives like Sarpanch Samvaad helps India achieve equitable prosperity. Empowered villages define a developed India—act now, and the nation rises.
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