The Union Government is considering gradually reducing its involvement with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR). This decision has raised concerns about the institute’s future independence and financial stability.
Minister of State for Rural Development, Kamlesh Paswan, confirmed this plan while answering a question in Parliament from Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi. Owaisi wanted to know if the government intended to privatize NIRDPR and why it was reducing financial and administrative support.
Paswan explained that the goal is to make NIRDPR a self-sustaining center of excellence or a deemed university focusing on rural development research and training. However, there is no clear information about consultations with stakeholders or the effect on employees and pensioners. A study by the Administrative Staff College of India shows that the institute currently has 221 employees and 331 pensioners.
The institute was first established in Mussoorie in 1958 as the National Institute for Community Development. It was later moved to Hyderabad in 1965 and renamed the National Institute for Rural Development (NIRD) in 1977. Over the years, it has played an important role in shaping rural development policies and training government officials.
Concerns Over Vacant Positions in ASI
In addition to concerns about NIRDPR, Owaisi also asked the Ministry of Culture about the shortage of staff in the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed that 3,203 out of 8,755 sanctioned positions in ASI are vacant. Most of these (2,888) are Group C positions, with vacancies lasting an average of two years.
The ASI’s Hyderabad Circle oversees several important heritage sites, such as Charminar, Golconda Fort, Warangal Fort, and the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple. The lack of staff raises concerns about the proper maintenance and preservation of these historic monuments.
As the government moves forward with its plans for NIRDPR, the impact on rural development remains uncertain. Similarly, the shortage of staff in ASI highlights the urgent need to fill vacancies to protect India’s rich cultural heritage.
