Karnataka has taken remarkable strides toward transforming its rural landscape, with a multi-dimensional approach focusing on housing, health, education, digital access, water, sanitation, and infrastructure. The state’s initiatives under the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department reflect a strong push for inclusive, sustainable, and tech-enabled growth in villages.
Digital Literacy Through 'Arivu Kendra' Libraries
One of the most transformative efforts has been the digitization of Grama Panchayat Libraries, now renamed as ‘Arivu Kendra’. Since being brought under RDPR in 2019:
- 5,383 out of 5,895 GP libraries have been converted into Digital Libraries.
- Over 43.42 lakh children have been enrolled, expanding rural access to digital learning and educational resources.
This initiative is narrowing the digital divide and cultivating a generation of tech-literate rural youth.
Health and Wellness for Rural Labourers
Addressing the health needs of rural workers, particularly NREGA labourers, the ‘Grama Arogya’ campaign was launched with a focus on preventive healthcare:
- Health kits distributed across all 31 districts.
- Screenings for non-communicable diseases, such as blood pressure and diabetes, were conducted, ensuring early detection and better health outcomes.
Affordable Housing and Sanitation for All
Housing Initiatives
Up to November 2023, the state has spent ₹2,307.26 crore for constructing 91,116 houses and distributing 688 house sites in rural areas.Sanitation under SBM (Grameen)
- ₹56.35 crore spent to construct 16,431 individual household latrines and 20 community sanitary complexes.
- Projects included solid and liquid waste management, contributing to cleaner and healthier villages.
Water for Every Household: Jal Jeevan Mission
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Karnataka provided 5.22 lakh Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs) by December 2023:
- Total expenditure: ₹1,993.73 crore
- This ensures reliable drinking water access in rural homes, improving health and reducing the burden on women and children.
Empowering Panchayats Through Finance and Planning
₹2,490 crore was provided to rural local bodies in 2023-24 through the 15th Finance Commission:
- ₹2,116.50 crore to Grama Panchayats (85%)
- ₹249 crore to Taluk Panchayats (10%)
- ₹124.50 crore to Zilla Panchayats (5%)
- ₹423.30 crore already released to GPs during the year.
Panchayats are being empowered to create and implement Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs) to drive inclusive and localized economic growth.
Sustainable Energy and Environmental Initiatives
- 10,184 litres of biodiesel produced by spending ₹84.14 lakhs up to November 2023.
- Emphasis on bio-energy awareness, waste-to-resource models, and green energy adoption at the village level.
- GPs encouraged to levy taxes on solar and wind energy plants, and mobile towers, enhancing local revenue sources.
Rural Roads and Connectivity: PMGSY
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY):
- ₹206.86 crore spent on 233.33 km of new road works.
- ₹18.84 crore spent on maintenance of 2,361.32 km of existing roads up to December 2023.
- These efforts are enhancing rural connectivity and access to markets, schools, and healthcare.
Skill Development and Employment
Through KSRLPS under NRLM, Karnataka has:
- Trained 2,646 individuals in skill development.
- Placed 1,163 candidates in jobs by November 2023.
- Incurred ₹344.70 crore to empower rural youth, especially women, for better livelihoods.
Focus on Agricultural Diversification and Water Management
The State promotes:
- Integrated farming systems and efficient water use through convergence with MGNREGA.
- These practices ensure climate resilience and higher incomes for farmers.
Strengthening Grama Panchayat Revenues
To make rural governance financially self-sustaining, the government advocates:
- Revising tax coverage areas and collection mechanisms.
- Valuing land and buildings based on market prices for appropriate taxation.
- Levying taxes on infrastructure such as mobile towers, solar, and wind power units within GP limits.
Conclusion: A Holistic Rural Renaissance
Karnataka’s rural development strategy in 2023-24 is not just about infrastructure—it’s about empowering communities, enhancing local governance, and ensuring that digital access, clean water, health, and education reach every corner of the state.
By blending tradition with technology and sustainability with scalability, Karnataka is setting a powerful example for rural transformation in India.
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