The developmental and welfare initiatives undertaken by the Government in the rural areas have been further strengthened over the years. This has brought about a perceptible change in the lives of the people in the villages. The Government also worked diligently towards translating visions into policies and programmes. While on the one hand, based on the experience and performances, initiatives have been taken to bring about a paradigm shift in the approach to poverty alleviation and resultant self reliance in the rural areas. Development and welfare activities in our rural areas were continued with unmatched vigour and zeal and taken to new heights with better employment opportunities through guaranteed public works programme like MGNREGA for larger number of people, enhanced livelihood opportunities through SGSY combined with better infrastructure under the flagship programmes like improved rural connectivity, rural housing, provision of safe drinking water, sanitation etc As the nodal Department responsible for most of the development and welfare activities in the rural areas where more than eighty percent of our over 5 lakh- strong population live, Rural Management and Development Department plays a crucial role in the overall development strategy of the state. The mission and objectives of the Department is to correct the developmental imbalances and to accord due priority to development in rural areas by bringing in sustainable and holistic development through a multi-pronged strategy, aiming in the process, to reach out to the most disadvantaged sections of the society. The thrust of these programmes are on all round economic and social transformation in rural areas.