In response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government launched the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (GKRA) on June 20, 2020. This massive rural public works scheme was designed to provide immediate employment opportunities and create durable infrastructure in rural areas across the country.
Objectives of Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan
The primary objectives of GKRA are:
- Employment Generation: To provide immediate employment to the migrant workers who returned to their home villages due to the pandemic-induced lockdown.
- Infrastructure Development: To create durable infrastructure and assets in rural areas, thereby boosting the rural economy.
- Skill Development: To utilize the skills of migrant workers and provide training for various works, thereby enhancing their employability.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Duration and Coverage: The scheme was initially set for 125 days, targeting 116 districts across six states – Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha. These states accounted for a significant number of returning migrant workers.
- Multi-Departmental Effort: The scheme is a coordinated effort involving 12 different ministries/departments of the Indian government, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to rural development.
- Budget Allocation: An initial fund of Rs 50,000 crore was allocated for the implementation of the scheme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the rural employment crisis.
- Activities Covered: The Abhiyaan covers a wide range of activities, including:
- Construction of roads and rural housing
- Development of anganwadis and rural infrastructure
- Water conservation and harvesting
- Plantation and horticulture activities
- Works under Jal Jeevan Mission
Achievements and Impact
Since its launch, the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan has made significant strides in achieving its objectives:
- Employment Provided: Millions of man-days of employment have been generated, providing immediate relief to migrant workers and their families.
- Infrastructure Development: Numerous rural infrastructure projects have been completed, including roads, housing, and water conservation structures, contributing to the long-term development of rural areas.
- Skill Utilization and Development: The scheme has successfully utilized the skills of migrant workers and provided them with new skills, thereby enhancing their employability in the future.
Conclusion
The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is a testament to the Indian government’s proactive approach in addressing the rural employment crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing immediate employment opportunities and creating durable rural infrastructure, the scheme has not only mitigated the impact of the pandemic on rural livelihoods but also laid the foundation for sustained rural development.
For more detailed information on the scheme, its implementation, and the latest updates, visit the official government website.
Top 20 FAQs About Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan
1. What is Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan (GKRA)?
Answer: GKRA is a rural public works scheme launched by the Indian government to provide immediate employment opportunities to migrant workers and create durable rural infrastructure. It was initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. When was GKRA launched?
Answer: The scheme was launched on June 20, 2020.
3. Which states are covered under GKRA?
Answer: GKRA covers 116 districts across six states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
4. What is the duration of the scheme?
Answer: The initial duration of the scheme was set for 125 days.
5. What is the budget allocation for GKRA?
Answer: An initial fund of Rs 50,000 crore was allocated for the implementation of the scheme.
6. What are the main objectives of GKRA?
Answer: The main objectives are to provide immediate employment to migrant workers, create durable rural infrastructure, and enhance the skills of rural workers.
7. Which ministries are involved in the implementation of GKRA?
Answer: The scheme involves 12 different ministries/departments of the Indian government, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural development.
8. What types of activities are covered under GKRA?
Answer: The activities include road construction, rural housing, development of anganwadis, water conservation, plantation, and works under Jal Jeevan Mission.
9. How does GKRA help migrant workers?
Answer: GKRA provides immediate employment opportunities to migrant workers who returned to their home villages due to the pandemic, helping them sustain their livelihoods.
10. How does GKRA contribute to rural infrastructure development?
Answer: The scheme funds various infrastructure projects such as roads, housing, water conservation structures, and other community assets, contributing to the long-term development of rural areas.
11. What is the impact of GKRA on rural employment?
Answer: GKRA has generated millions of man-days of employment, providing significant relief to rural populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
12. How are the skills of migrant workers utilized under GKRA?
Answer: The scheme utilizes the existing skills of migrant workers and provides training for new skills, thereby enhancing their employability for future job opportunities.
13. Are there any specific programs for water conservation under GKRA?
Answer: Yes, GKRA includes activities related to water conservation and harvesting to improve water availability in rural areas.
14. How does GKRA ensure the quality of rural infrastructure projects?
Answer: The scheme involves multiple government ministries and departments to oversee and ensure the quality of infrastructure projects undertaken.
15. Can women participate in GKRA projects?
Answer: Yes, the scheme encourages the participation of women in various projects, promoting gender equality in rural employment.
16. How is the progress of GKRA monitored?
Answer: The progress of the scheme is monitored through regular reporting by the involved ministries and departments, ensuring transparency and accountability.
17. What measures are taken to ensure the safety of workers under GKRA?
Answer: Safety protocols and guidelines are followed strictly at all project sites to ensure the health and safety of the workers involved.
18. How can one get more information about GKRA?
Answer: For more detailed information, one can visit the official government website or contact local government offices in the covered states.
19. Is there any provision for skill development under GKRA?
Answer: Yes, GKRA includes provisions for skill development and training to enhance the employability of rural workers.
20. What is the long-term vision of GKRA?
Answer: The long-term vision of GKRA is to boost the rural economy, create sustainable infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of life in rural areas through consistent employment opportunities and development projects.