INTRODUCTION

Rural infrastructure
MEANING Infrastructure is the backbone of any country. It plays a very
important role in supporting nation’s economic growth and the same is the
case with India. If we talk about rural infrastructure in the country, then it is
crucial for agriculture, agro-industries and poverty alleviation in the rural
areas. Typically, rural infrastructure in the country encompasses rural
roads, major dams and canal works for irrigation and drainage, rural
housing, rural water supply, rural electrification and rural
telecommunication connectivity.

Rural infrastructure refers to infrastructure and facilities necessary to

provide services such as transport, energy/electricity, drinking water and
sanitation, housing, ICT, health, education, etc. in rural areas. More
broadly, rural infrastructure can be considered as physical capital

Infrastructure is the support system of industrial and agricultural

production, and foreign and domestic businesses. It is the basic
organisational and physical structure that is required to run a business
smoothly. In an organization or for a country, a basic infrastructure
includes communication and transportation, sewage, water, education
system, health system, clean drinking water, and monetary system.

IMPORTANCE OF RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Basically, rural infrastructure has the potential to provide basic amenities to

people that can improve their quality of life. To give an example,
development of rural infrastructure can lead to improved access to market
centres for the rural producers, better availability of inputs and raw
materials at reduced prices and improved mobility.

Here is a look at how different sections of rural infrastructure play their role
in improving the rural economy as well as life of the people...
1. Rural road infrastructure: It provides mobility and connectivity to
people living in rural areas. It also provides the much needed boost to
agricultural activities by making available water, seeds and other raw
materials to the farmers. By improving connectivity, rural roads also
enhance employment opportunities for the rural people in non-agriculture
sector, thereby, increasing livelihood opportunities. Rural roads also ensure
that the rural areas are served with better public services and all the
benefits offered by the state reach the far-flung areas easily. They can
even provide access to education and health services.

2. Rural electrification infrastructure: It basically caters well to the

requirements of agriculture and other activities including irrigation
pumpsets, small and medium industries, khadi and village industries, cold
storage chains, healthcare and education

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Scope for development of rural infrastructure in India

1. As per the road statistics published by central government for the year
2012-13, rural roads span 60.39 km of every 100 km. The sad part is
that most of these rural roads in the country are in bad shape i.e., they
are of poor quality, potholed and unable to withstand the loads of heavy
farm equipment, thereby, affecting the rural population’s quality of life
and ability of the farmers to transport their produce to the market.
Further, the rural surfaced road is just 33 per cent of the total rural road
network in India and remaining are kutcha roads which are highly
vulnerable and inaccessible particularly during the rainy season. Thus,
there is increasing need for surfaced rural roads in the country.

2. Living conditions of people in rural areas has still not improved much
and there are majority who live in kutcha houses which are highly
vulnerable to rainfall, wind blow, fire and other environmental hazards.
Hence, good rural housing infrastructure is needed in the country.

3. As per the Census 2011, still 45 per cent of the rural households are
not connected with electricity and depend on kerosene and other means
for lighting. Hence, rural electrification infrastructure is needed to make
the lives of rural people better.

VENDORS
A vendor is a party in the supply chain that makes goods and services
available to companies or consumers. The term "vendor" is typically
used to describe the entity that is paid for goods provided rather than
the manufacturer of the goods itself. However, a vendor can operate as
both a supplier (or seller) of goods and a manufacturer.

KEY POINTS

 A vendor is a general term for anyone who buys and sells goods or
services.
 A vendor purchases products and services and then sells them to
another company or individual.
 Large retailers, like Target, rely on many different vendors to supply
products, which it buys at wholesale prices and sells at higher retail
prices.
 A manufacturer that turns raw materials into finished goods is a
vendor for retailers or wholesalers.

LOCAL VENDORS
Local Vendor means a person or legal entity which has a place of
business (other than a post office box) within the City and has a valid,
current business license issued by the City.
 Local vendors are small businesses or individuals who operate within a
specific locality or community, providing goods or services to residents of
that area. These vendors typically serve a limited geographic area, such
as a neighborhood, town, or city. They can encompass a wide range of
businesses, including but not limited to:

1. Street Food Vendors: Food trucks, stalls, or carts that sell snacks
or meals in a particular neighborhood or at local events.

2. Farmers and Artisan Markets: Farmers who sell their produce

directly to consumers at local markets, as well as artisans who create
handmade crafts and goods.

3. Mom-and-Pop Shops: Small, independently-owned retail stores,

such as grocery stores, boutiques, or convenience stores, that cater to
the needs of local residents.

IMPORTANCE OR ROLES OF LOCAL VENDORS IN RURAL

AREAS

Local vendors play a crucial role in the economy and communities for
several reasons:
1. Economic Impact: Local vendors contribute significantly to the
local economy by creating jobs and generating income. When
consumers support local businesses, the money spent stays within the
community, helping to stimulate economic growth and stability.

2. Unique Offerings: Local vendors often offer unique and distinctive

products or services that may not be readily available from larger,
national or international chains. This diversity in offerings can enrich the
local culture and attract visitors.

3. Personalized Service: Many local vendors provide personalized

and attentive customer service. They often have a deeper understanding
of the needs and preferences of their community, leading to a more
tailored shopping experience.

4. Community Building: Local vendors are often deeply ingrained in

their communities. They participate in local events, support charitable
causes, and foster a sense of community pride and identity. This
engagement helps build stronger, more vibrant neighbours.

5. Environmental Impact: Supporting local vendors can have

environmental benefits. Local products often require less transportation
and packaging, which can reduce carbon emissions and waste.

In conclusion, local vendors play a crucial role in the social, economic,

and cultural fabric of communities. Their importance extends beyond just
economic transactions; they contribute to the overall well-being and
resilience of neighbourhoods and regions. Supporting local vendors
through conscious consumer choices can have far-reaching positive
effects on both local communities and the broader society.

ANGANWADI SERVICE
The term "Anganwadi" is used in India and some other South Asian
countries and is commonly associated with a type of government-
sponsored child care and mother and child nutrition centre. The word
"Angan" means courtyard or a small open space in Hindi, and "wadi"
means a small dwelling. Anganwadi centers typically serve as
community-based centers that provide various services.

Anganwadi services play a crucial role in rural areas, particularly in India,

where the Anganwadi system is widely implemented. These services are
part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program and
serve as frontline community centers that provide a range of services
aimed at improving the health, nutrition, and overall development of
children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in rural areas.

ROLES OF ANGANWADI SERVICE

Early childhood education: Anganwadi centers offer preschool
education and informal learning activities for children in the age group of
3 to 6 years to promote their cognitive and social development. Running
pre-school centers where young children receive early education and
stimulation.Promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development
through play-based learning.Preparing children for formal schooling and
reducing school dropout rates.
Nutrition services: They provide supplementary nutrition, food, and
health services to pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as to children
under the age of 6 to combat malnutrition and improve maternal and
child health. Monitoring and addressing malnutrition and undernutrition in
the community. Conducting regular growth monitoring and promoting
healthy eating habits.

Health care: Anganwadi workers and helpers often assist in basic

healthcare services, such as immunization, health check-ups, and
spreading awareness about various health-related issues in the
community. Conducting counseling sessions for mothers on topics such
as breastfeeding, weaning practices, and child care.Promoting healthy
lifestyles and practices within the community.

Emergency Response:Playing a vital role during emergencies, such as

natural disasters, by providing immediate relief and assistance to
affected communities.

Empowerment of Women:Fostering the empowerment of women in

rural areas by involving them in Anganwadi activities and promoting
women's self-help groups. They may also offer programs and support to
empower women in the community through skill development and
awareness campaigns.

SWACHH BHARAT
LAUNCHING
Swachh Bharat or Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Campaign Clean India) is a
national level campaign by the Government of India covering 4041
statutory towns to clean the streets, roads and infrastructure of the
country.This campaign was officially launched on 2 October 2014 at
Rajghat, New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself
wielded broom and cleaned a road. The campaign is India’s biggest ever
cleanliness drive and 3 million government employees and schools and
colleges students of India participated in this event. The mission was
started as a tree with EACH ONE of the nine personalities nominated by
Narendra Modi to in turn nominate nine other people and so on. It has
been carried forward since then with famous people from all walks of life
joining it.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF SWACHH BHARAT MISSION

The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the Clean India Mission,
was a significant cleanliness and sanitation campaign launched by the
Indian government on October 2, 2014. The primary goal of this mission
was to make India open defecation-free, improve solid waste
management, and promote cleanliness and hygiene across the country.
Since my knowledge is up to September 2021, I can provide you with
some of the notable achievements and outcomes of the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan up to that point:

Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status: One of the key achievements of

the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was the construction of millions of
household and community toilets throughout the country. This led to a
significant reduction in open defecation, with many villages and cities
achieving ODF status.

Construction of Toilets: The campaign successfully constructed

millions of toilets in rural and urban areas, significantly improving
sanitation facilities and reducing the health risks associated with open
defecation.

Cleanliness and Hygiene Promotion: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan raised

awareness about cleanliness, hygiene, and the importance of sanitation
among the general population. It promoted behavioral change towards
maintaining cleanliness in public places.

Rural Sanitation: The mission focused on rural areas, aiming to provide

sanitation facilities to every household in the country's villages. Many
rural areas witnessed a marked improvement in sanitation and
cleanliness.

Urban Sanitation: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan also targeted urban areas,

aiming to make cities and towns cleaner and more hygienic. Several
cities implemented waste management systems and improved sanitation
infrastructure.
Reduction in Waterborne Diseases: Improved sanitation and access to
toilets helped reduce waterborne diseases, contributing to better public
health.

Public and Private Sector Participation: The mission encouraged

active participation from both the public and private sectors, including
corporate entities, NGOs, and local communities.