Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) was a flagship rural employment program launched by the Government of India in September 2001. The scheme aimed to provide wage employment opportunities to rural households living below the poverty line (BPL) and promote sustainable rural development by creating productive assets, enhancing infrastructure, and addressing seasonal unemployment in rural areas.
Key Objectives of Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana
Employment Generation
Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana aimed to generate wage employment opportunities for rural households, especially those living below the poverty line, through the creation of productive assets and infrastructure projects. The scheme aimed to provide employment to unemployed and underemployed individuals, particularly during the lean agricultural season, thereby addressing seasonal unemployment and improving the income levels of rural households.
Asset Creation and Infrastructure Development
SGRY focused on creating durable and income-generating assets in rural areas, including rural infrastructure such as roads, bridges, irrigation canals, water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and other community assets. These assets not only improved rural connectivity and access to basic services but also generated employment opportunities during their construction and maintenance phases.
Poverty Alleviation and Livelihood Support
SGRY aimed to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of rural households by providing them with regular and sustainable wage employment opportunities. By engaging rural communities in asset creation activities, the scheme aimed to enhance their income levels, reduce vulnerability to poverty, and promote economic self-reliance among rural households.
Empowerment of Women and Marginalized Groups
Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana prioritized the participation of women and marginalized groups in rural employment activities, aiming to empower them economically and socially. The scheme provided equal opportunities for women to participate in wage employment programs, access skill development training, and contribute to asset creation activities, thereby promoting gender equality and social inclusion in rural development.
Decentralized Planning and Implementation
SGRY emphasized decentralized planning and implementation, involving local communities, panchayati raj institutions (PRIs), and grassroots-level organizations in the identification, planning, and execution of rural employment projects. This participatory approach ensured community ownership, transparency, and accountability in program implementation, fostering local development priorities and empowering rural communities.
Implementation Mechanism
The implementation of Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana involved coordination between various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Rural Development, state governments, district administrations, panchayati raj institutions, and local implementing agencies. Funds were allocated to states based on poverty estimates, and projects were identified and prioritized at the district and village levels through participatory planning processes. Gram Panchayats and Village Development Committees were responsible for overseeing the implementation of employment projects, monitoring progress, and ensuring the effective utilization of resources.
Conclusion
Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana was a significant rural employment program aimed at addressing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing livelihoods in rural India. By creating wage employment opportunities, generating productive assets, and empowering rural communities, the scheme contributed to poverty alleviation, rural infrastructure development, and socio-economic empowerment in rural areas. Although the scheme was merged with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2006, its legacy continues to inform and influence rural development initiatives in India.
