District Rural Development Agency

The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Raigad , while often functioning under the umbrella of the Zilla Parishad, is a distinct agency primarily dedicated to planning, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of various anti-poverty and rural development programs, especially those centrally sponsored. It acts as a specialized body to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the rural poor effectively.

Here are its brief functions:

Implementation of Anti-Poverty Programs: The core function of DRDA is to effectively implement various poverty alleviation schemes. In Raigad , this includes key housing schemes like:

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): Providing financial assistance for house construction to homeless and kutcha-house households in rural areas. It also ensures convergence with MGNREGA for labor and Swachh Bharat Mission for toilet construction.

Ramai Awas Yojana: A state-sponsored housing scheme specifically for Scheduled Castes and Neo-Buddhist communities.

Shabari Awas Yojana: A special housing scheme for tribal communities.

Pardhi Housing Scheme and Yashwantrao Chavan Mukt Vasahat Awas Yojana: Other specific housing schemes for particular communities.

PM JANMAN: A special housing scheme for PVTG community

Livelihood Promotion (MSRLM – UMED): The DRDA is heavily involved in economic development through the formation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for poor and marginalized women, providing them guidance and facilitating financial linkages for livelihood activities under schemes like the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (UMED).