The NDA government is set to restructure the Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows (PMRDFs), a pet scheme of the Rural Development Ministry started during the UPA-II regime.
“This exam is held on <g data-gr-id="30">similar</g> pattern as that of the UPSC, after which the candidates are supposed to serve in various states, including some Left wing-affected areas. I have visited such areas and met the candidates, who are doing exemplary work there. These PMRDF fellows, serving at these places, had explained to me various problems being faced by them, including late payment. I think there is a need for the course structure of this programme to be reworked. It needs to be made more comprehensive and effective,” said Rural Development Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh, while speaking with Millennium Post.
The minister added, “We will see the viability of this programme before new candidates <g data-gr-id="20">are</g> inducted for the third batch.”
The PMRDF was announced in September 2011. The first batch of candidates was inducted in April 2012. The aim of this programme is to induct young professionals for a <g data-gr-id="24">short-training</g> period at the district level in 17 states, including areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and North-East states. Each of the fellows gets Rs 75,000 per month with a 10 per cent hike in subsequent years.