The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY), meaning "Universal Rural Employment Scheme" in Hindi, was a pioneering initiative launched by the Government of India in 2001.
- Wage Employment: SGRY offered much-needed employment opportunities for individuals living below the poverty line (BPL) in rural areas. This helped generate income and improve livelihoods.
- Food Security: The program ensured food security by providing food grains along with cash wages. This benefitted families and mitigated hunger concerns.
- Community Asset Creation: Under SGRY, wages were paid for undertaking labor-intensive work that created long-lasting community assets. This included infrastructure development projects that benefitted entire villages.
Key Features of SGRY
- Self-targeting Approach: SGRY was designed to be self-targeting, meaning anyone in rural areas needing wage employment could participate. This ensured those most in need benefitted directly.
- Focus on Inclusivity: The program prioritized providing employment opportunities for women, marginalized communities, and agricultural workers during lean seasons.
- Cost-Sharing Mechanism: The scheme functioned on a cost-sharing basis between the Central Government and State Governments. This ensured a collaborative effort and resource allocation.
- Panchayati Raj Implementation: SGRY leveraged the Panchayati Raj institutions, local village governing bodies, for program implementation. This fostered community ownership and participation.
Impact of SGRY
- Income Generation and Poverty Reduction: SGRY provided a crucial source of income for rural families, contributing to poverty reduction efforts.
- Improved Food Security: The program's food grain distribution ensured families had access to food, especially during lean agricultural periods.
- Enhanced Infrastructure Development: The creation of community assets like roads, wells, and irrigation channels improved rural infrastructure and quality of life.
- Social Empowerment: SGRY's focus on inclusivity empowered marginalized communities and women by providing them with work opportunities.
Impact and Success Stories
- Employment Generation: The SGRY provided employment opportunities to millions of rural individuals, particularly during lean seasons.
- Infrastructure Development: The scheme led to the creation of various infrastructure projects, such as roads, wells, and canals, which improved the quality of life in rural areas.
- Poverty Reduction: The SGRY played a significant role in reducing poverty and improving living standards in rural communities.
Notable Success Stories
- Bihar: The SGRY was instrumental in constructing embankments along the Kosi River in Bihar, effectively preventing floods and protecting agricultural land.
- Rajasthan: In Rajasthan, the scheme was used to develop rainwater harvesting structures, addressing water scarcity issues and enhancing agricultural productivity.
- Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh utilized the SGRY to construct numerous rural roads, connecting villages and improving market access for farmers.
Merger with NREGA
In February 2006, the SGRY was merged with the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), further strengthening the commitment to providing employment and social security in rural India.
The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana stands as a testament to the Indian government's efforts to empower rural communities and bridge the gap between urban and rural development. Its success lies in its focus on employment generation, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of millions of rural individuals.
Legacy of SGRY
While SGRY is no longer operational, its legacy lives on. The program's core principles of providing rural employment, ensuring food security, and fostering community development continue to inspire subsequent initiatives like MGNREGA.
Conclusion
The Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana played a significant role in supporting rural development in India. While the scheme itself is no longer active, it paved the way for subsequent programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) that continue to address these crucial areas.
