Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) Implementation, regulation, policy

IRDP: A large programme for rural development and to create opportunities for people living below the poverty line

The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) was launched by the Government of India during 1978 and implemented during 1980.

Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP)is described officially as a major mechanism for the alleviation of rural poverty. The main objective of IRDP is to raise families of identified target group below the poverty line by the creation of sustainable opportunities for self-employment in the rural sector.

The target group under the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) consists of small and marginal farmers, agricultural laborers and rural artisans having annual income below Rs. 11,000 defined as the poverty line in the Eighth Plan.

In order to ensure that benefits under the programme reach the more vulnerable sectors of the society, it is stipulated that at least 50 percent of assisted families should be from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes with the corresponding flow of resources to them. Furthermore, 40 percent of the coverage should be of women beneficiaries and 3 percent of handicapped persons.

The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) programme is implemented through District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs). The governing body of DRDA includes local MP, MLA, Chairman of Zila Parishad, and heads of district development departments, representatives of SCs, STs, and women.

The block staff is responsible for implementation of the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP). The State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) monitors the programme at state level whereas the Ministry of Rural Areas and Employment is responsible for the release of a central share of funds, policy formation, overall guidance, monitoring and evaluation of the Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP).