Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)

Large parts of rural areas in the country are not stand-alone settlements but part of a cluster of settlements, which are relatively proximate to each other.

These clusters typically illustrate potential for growth, have economic drivers and derive locational and competitive advantages. Hence, making a case for concerted policy directives for such clusters.

• A 'Rurban cluster', would be a cluster of geographically contiguous villages with a
  • population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and
  • population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas.
• As far as practicable, clusters of village would follow administrative convergence units of Gram Panchayats and shall be within a single block/tehsil for administrative convenience. 
• The State Governments would identify the clusters in accordance with the Framework for Implementation prepared by the Ministry of Rural Development. 

These clusters once developed can then be classified as 'Rurban'. 

Hence taking cognizance of this, the Government of India, has proposed the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM), aimed at developing such rural areas by 

• provisioning of economic, social and physical infrastructure facilities.

Taking also into view, the advantages of clusters, both from an economic view point as well as to optimize benefits of infrastructure provision, the Mission

• Aims at development of 300 Rurban clusters, in the next five years.
•  In the first phase, 100 clusters will be taken up, thereafter more clusters will be identified based on the progress of the scheme. 

These clusters would be strengthened with the required amenities, for which it is proposed that resources be mobilized through convergence of various schemes of the Government, over and above which a Critical Gap Funding (CGF) would be provided under this Mission, for focused development of these clusters.

	14 Components of Rurban Mission Implementation:- To ensure an optimum level of development, fourteen  components have been suggested as desirable for the cluster, which would include;  Skill development training linked to economic activities, Agro Processing/Agri Services/Storage and Warehousing, Digital Literacy, Sanitation, Provision of piped water supply, Solid and liquid waste management, Village streets and drains, Street lights, Fully equipped mobile health unit, Upgrading school /higher education facilities, Inter-village road connectivity, Citizen Service Centres- for electronic delivery of citizen centric services/e-gram connectivity, Public transport., LPG gas connections.