NRIDA and IIM Calcutta Sign MoU for Rural Roads Impact Study

Why in the News?

The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) under the Ministry of Rural Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIM Calcutta for a comprehensive 4-year longitudinal impact assessment study of roads built under PMGSY-IV and PM-JANMAN.

Key Features / Major Points:

MoU Signatories: Signed by Ms. Aditi Singh (IAS), Director General of NRIDA, and Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Director of IIM Calcutta.

Scope of the Study: The 4-year study will cover 10 States/UTs (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand), 50 districts, 150 blocks, and 250 roads.

Sample Size: Approximately 5,000 households will be surveyed to evaluate changes in mobility, accessibility, and socio-economic conditions.

Study Phases: Comprises Baseline Survey (14 months), Transition Period (~12 months), and Endline Survey (22 months).

Expected Outcomes: Provides evidence-based insights into the long-term impacts of rural connectivity on healthcare, education, women empowerment, employment, and income sources.

Static GK Facts:

Full Form of NRIDA: National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency.

Parent Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

IIM Calcutta Established: 1961 (First IIM established in India).

PMGSY Launched: December 25, 2000.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: NRIDA has partnered with which institute for a 4-year impact assessment of PMGSY-IV and PM-JANMAN roads?

A: IIM Calcutta

Q: How many households will be surveyed under the NRIDA-IIM Calcutta rural road impact study?

A: Approximately 5,000 households

Q: In which year was the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) launched?

A: 2000 (December 25)

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