What are the indicators of the deepening rural distress in India

Indicators of deepening rural distress in India include: 1. Budget deficit in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): The MGNREGS is a flagship social welfare program aimed at providing employment opportunities to rural households. A budget deficit in this scheme signals a lack of funds being allocated to address rural unemployment and poverty, thereby worsening rural distress. 2. Declining agricultural income: High input costs, low crop prices, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited access to credit and technology have contributed to declining agricultural income. This leads to heightened distress among farmers who heavily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. 3. Rising farmer suicides: The increasing number of farmer suicides is a grim indicator of rural distress. Factors such as mounting debt, crop failure, lack of access to resources, and inadequate support systems exacerbate the plight of farmers. 4. Lack of access to healthcare and education: Rural areas often face challenges in terms of healthcare infrastructure, access to quality education, and skill development opportunities. These shortcomings contribute to the deepening rural distress as access to essential services is limited. 5. Migration to urban areas: Rural distress pushes many individuals and their families to migrate to urban areas in search of better employment prospects. This influx of rural migrants places additional strain on urban resources and infrastructure. These indicators collectively highlight the deepening rural distress in India, requiring comprehensive and targeted measures to alleviate the challenges faced by rural communities.