Integrated Cluster Action Plan for Rurban Clusters in Gujarat

The Government of India launched ‘Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) in February 2016. The intention behind this mission was to stimulate local economic development, enhance basic services and create well-planned rurban clusters in the country. Three hundred rurban clusters, which have latent potential for growth, were identified across the country with intent to trigger overall development in the region. For guiding the development of these rurban clusters, the mission recommended preparation of ‘Integrated Cluster Action Plan (ICAP) for each cluster. Under this mission, Development Commissioner Office, Government of Gujarat approached CEPT University to assist them in preparing ICAPs for rurban clusters in the State. The plans identified the development potential of each individual cluster along with the needs for supporting infrastructure systems. They also outlined key interventions needed to address these needs and funding requirements including resources to be converged under various Central Sector, Centrally Sponsored and State Sector schemes, and the critical gap funding (CGF) required for each cluster. 

While the ICAPs led to a comprehensive technical assessment of requirements of these cluster based on long term vision for these clusters as envisaged by the State Government, the preparation process itself facilitated cross-sectoral engagements between different Departments and bottom up involvement of people, local authorities at cluster level, taluka level and district level.