The IRDP was a major Indian government scheme started in 1978 (launched nationwide in 1980). Its goal was to help rural families living in poverty gain self-employment. It did this by giving them assets, training, and support so they could earn enough to cross the poverty line.
Core Objectives of IRDP
- Generate Self‑Employment
Give rural poor families tools and support to start small businesses or farming activities. - Alleviate Poverty
Help families increase income steadily so they can live above the poverty line. - Provide Productive Assets
Provide assets like livestock, tools, or equipment from primary to tertiary sectors. - Promote Sustainable Rural Growth
Boost agriculture, cottage industries, fisheries, livestock, and infrastructure in villages. - Raise Rural Living Standards
Improve income, health, education, water supply, and roads to enhance quality of life. - Support Vulnerable Groups
Prioritize women, scheduled castes and tribes, differently-abled individuals, artisans, and small farmers. Provide extra subsidies and assistance.
Simple Real-Life Example
Imagine a poor rural family receives:
- A goat (productive asset)
- Training in animal care
- A small subsidy and bank loan
They start selling milk. Over a year, their earnings grow. This steady income helps them rise above the poverty threshold.
The IRDP ended in 1999 and merged into the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana, but its focus on integrated, self-employment‑based rural development shaped future schemes like MGNREGA and SHG programs.
