अती दाट वस्तीत नाना उपाधी, अती शून्य रानात औदास्य बाधी । लघुग्राम पाहून तेथे वसावे, प्रमाणामधे सर्व काही असावे ।।

- समर्थ रामदास स्वामी

India has seen a rapid growth in urbanisation in post-independence era. Maharashtra has experienced much higher growth in urbanisation with over 45% of the population in the state living in cities today. Mumbai Metropolitan (MMR) and Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR) itself constitutes 30% of Maharashtra’s population. To it’s contrast, these two regions constitute less than 5% of Maharashtra’s land. Urbanisation has its pros and cons. Any mega-city at some time attains a peak beyond which the cons supersede the pros and reversal of urbanisation or ruralisation begins. It is long overdue for Maharashtra to initiate the process of de-urbanisation. Rural Maharashtra is blessed with great resource of brilliant manpower which can moulded to have greater participation in the development of the state.

To bring the change, organised human development program needs to be undertaken starting from small villages. Attempt is to be made to provide all the amenities and advantages that a citizen of urban area would get. The development needs to be three fold: (1) Education & literacy, (2) Healthcare facilities and (3) Economy and lifestyle.

Education & literacy: Education is believed to be the foundation for the wellbeing of the society. it is necessary to create urge in the students and parents to attend school. Attempt should be made to improve school infrastructure and quality of education. 100% literacy should be targeted particularly by implementing adult literacy. Greater emphasis needs to be given for women literacy. It is necessary to provide vocational training to the youth in village so that they can take up profession in agriculture or allied services and are retained in rural land. Digital literacy is the key to rural development for the years to come. Every citizen in the rural area should be well-versed with usage of computers, smart phones, internet.

Healthcare facilities: Better health is central to human happiness and well-being. Entire village should get treated tap water to their homes.

Awareness about general hygiene needs to be imparted in the population. Abandoning open defecation, public urinating & spitting etc need to be implemented. Closed sewerage systems, paved roads, permanent houses, open spaces, independent toilet blocks for each house, etc. need to be installed. Each village should be equipped with primary healthcare centre for early detection and treatment of ailments and diseases. Special emphasis needs to be given on resolving malnourishment issues with pregnant women, infants.

Economy & lifestyle: Economic wellbeing and improved lifestyle is most important for sustainable development. It should be aimed to eradicate poverty in the rural area for the population to afford basic amenities to live a comfortable life. Self-employment should be encouraged. Special focus should be on water conservation and irrigation to reduce dependency on seasonal water. Usage of digital technology should be put use to increase productivity in agriculture and other businesses. Each village should have branch of bank or should have ATM facility. The population should be made well-versed with internet banking and mobile banking. Permanent approach roads, availability of good public transport, high quality broad band connections, etc. are necessary amenities for smooth communication with outside world.

Methodology: Effective planning & implementation is key to success in village development. Time-bound development plan needs to be prepared with budgeting and identifying possible funding options. Local initiative is the most important parameter in success of village development. Panchayat should be made integral part of the development program. External help from NGO and experts should be consulted and made part of the planning & implementation program. Special emphasis should be made to reach the development across the masses ensuring class and gender equality.

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