National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency

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Research Areas

Chapter III - Impact Assessment of PMGSY Roads

Impact on Agriculture

The key indicators which have been used for assessing the impact of completed PMGSY roads on agriculture and animal husbandry and allied activities are: increase in the usage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and improved seeds, Change in the cropping pattern, increase in mechanization of agriculture, increase in rearing goats/ sheep, increase in dairy production and increase in poultry farming.

The Tables below (Tables 1 & 2) summarize the responses of a cross section of respondents at household and village level both road wise and district wise:

Table 1: Impact on Agriculture and allied activities

    Usage of chemical fertilizers, seeds and pesticides have increased Change in cropping pattern observed (from food grains to cash crop) Increase in motorized agriculture vehicles and equipment Increase in selling of milk Increase in the no. of families rearing goats/sheep for commercial purpose Increase in poultry production for commercial purposes
Bhopal Rd 1 0 43 12 42.9 0 0
Rd 2 0 0 0 16.7 0 0
Rd 3 0 20 0 50 0 0
Total 0 21 4 36.5 0 0
Datia Rd 4 70 70 20 12 0 0
  Rd 5 55 60 30 65 0 0
  Rd 6 45 65 40 60 0 0
  Total 56.7 65.0 30.0 45.7 0.0 0.0
Dhar Rd 7 70 80 55 80 25 25
Rd 8 75 80 40 20 25 5
Rd 9 60 55 10 45 20 5
Total 68.3 71.7 35.0 48.3 23.3 11.7
Umaria Rd 10 15 100 60 0 5.3 11
Rd 11 10 100 30 42.9 0 14.3
Rd 12 10 95 55 5 0 0
Total 11.7 98.3 48.3 16.0 1.8 8.4

Table 2: Impact at Village level

Indicators   Usage of chemical fertilizers, seeds and pesticides have increased Change in cropping pattern observed (from food grains to cash crop) Increase in motorized agriculture vehicles and equipment Increase in selling of milk Increase in the no. of families rearing goats/sheep for commercial purpose Increase in poultry production for commercial purposes
Bhopal Rd 1 0 50 20 50 0 0
Rd 2 0 0 10 20 0 0
Rd 3 0 0 10 70 0 0
Total 0 16.7 13.3 46.7 0.0 0.0
Datia Rd 4 75 90 10 10 0 0
Rd 5 75 85 10 65 0 0
Rd 6 55 55 55 55 0 0
Total 68.3 76.7 25.0 43.3 0.0 0.0
Dhar Rd 7 50 95 90 40 30 20
Rd 8 95 95 75 40 40 20
Rd 9 90 95 15 70 20 15
Total 78.3 95.0 60 50.0 30.0 18.3
Umaria Rd 10 10 100 100 5.3 5.3 10
Rd 11 10 100 47.6 47.6 0 11
Rd 12 15 75 65 15 20 15
Total 11.7 91.7 70.9 22.6 8.4 12.0

Note: The figures in both the tables indicate percentages of affirmative responses of respondents

District Wise Findings

District Bhopal

It is observed that the respondents located in six habitations connected by the selected roads in the district of Bhopal didn't perceive any increase in usage of fertilizers and seeds. But a marginal change in cropping pattern was observed in the village Shastakhedi on Phanda- Teelakhedi Road. Shortage of water was reportedly the main reason constraining change in cropping pattern although the markets for vegetable and other cash crops exist. As regards mechanization in agriculture, the respondents did not report any significant change.

More than half of the respondents located near Phanda- Teelakhedi and Narsighgarh Road to Kolhukhedi roads reported increase in sale of milk and this was facilitated by the existence of the road. Dairies located in and around the villages of Teelakhedi and Kolhukhedi have fixed particular collection points on the roads where individual milk producers bring milk for sale. As against the earlier price of Rs.9-10 per litre of milk, the producers are now able to get about Rs.12-14 (depending upon the fat content) per litre which marks an improvement in prices by 33-40 percent. It has also been observed that those who were not able to go to dairies and other places for sale of milk are now able to sell milk at the collection points.

No increase in rearing goats / sheeps and poultry farming has been observed or reported in the selected villages.

District Datia

More than half of the respondents (60 respondents in total) located in six habitations/ villages situated on the three selected PMGSY roads in the district reported increase in usage of fertilizers, pesticides and seeds. In these places, the respondents (65 percent) also reported shift in cropping pattern from traditional food grains and cotton to cash crops and vegetables. These crops require relatively higher quantities of pesticides and fertilizers per hectare and this seems to have contributed to the increase in usage of these items. Mechanization in agriculture has reportedly increased in the villages Saletra and Bichana located on Bhander Chirgaon road to Salethra largely because of improved water availability from a nearby canal which has been constructed recently. Moreover, harvesters and thrashers are now available on hire from Bhander and Chirgaon towns and can be brought easily because of the PMGSY roads.

The sale of surplus milk has increased in Kudari, Sainthri, Saletra and Bichauna because individual producer is enabled to go to the nearby towns like Indergarh and Bhander by PMGSY roads and sell milk. Though, there has not been any significant change in selling price of milk, more families have started visiting for selling milk. There is no customary practice in rearing goats/ sheep and poultry farming in these villages and even after the construction of PMGSY roads, the situation has not changed so far.

District Dhar

Over 60 % of the respondents (60 respondents in total) reported increase in usage of fertilizers and seeds in the 6 villages located along the three selected PMGSY roads. It has also been observed that the cropping pattern has undergone a significant change from traditional food grains to cash crops like lemon, aanwala, jamphal and vegetables. These items require higher doses of fertilizers and pesticides and hence the increase in their usage. Mechanisation has improved in four villages along two PMGSY roads largely because these villages are in the proximity of the towns like Manawar, Sighana and Gandhwani and well connected and thus access to tractors, harvestors and threshers etc. has improved. No improvement has been reported in this respect in the other two villages because these are located far from the towns like Bagh.

The villagers have started selling milk to neighbouring areas regularly because they are now able to reach these areas by bus and other means of transport, which now ply regularly on the PMGSY roads.

The construction of PMGSY roads in the selected villages under the study has not contributed to any appreciable increase in number of families taking up rearing of goats / sheeps and poultry farming.

District Umaria

Respondents (60 in total) did not report any significant change in the use of fertilizers pesticides and seeds because they have been using the same earlier also and items are readily available from the societies located in or around the villages. However, majority of the respondents of Akhrar, Kauriya and Sahpur reported change in cropping pattern in as much as cultivators have taken to growing cash crops like masoor, ginger, aanwala, hare, bahera and vegetables in a big way. In particular PMGSY roads and improved connectivity have helped in accessing the markets in towns and neighbouring areas for selling perishable vegetables and other cash crops.

It is worth noting that during FGDS and interviews with PRIs and other villagers, the trend indicated by the responses shown in the above tables and discussed above has been corroborated. In Akhrar, connected by road Chandiya - Akhrar , in the district of Umaria, cultivators have adopted multiple cropping and the production of masoor, adrak, and peas in between major crops has shown remarkable increase. Thus, the production of adrak, in particular, has increased by 50 percent followed by peas (20%) and masoor (10 %). Likewise in Korriya on the same road, there has been a shift from traditional production of cereals to cash crops like aanwala, hare, behar etc. which can easily be taken to markets after the harvest because of the roads. Further, cropping intensity has also increased here because of cultivation of tomatoes, cauliflower and other vegetables depending on availability of water. Similarly, in Shahpur connected by Road Kalyanpur to Shahpur in district Umaria, cultivators have shifted to growing cauliflower, dhania and tomatoes during off-season in large scale.

Again the respondents in four villages along two PMGSY roads namely Chandiya to Akhrar and Manpur to Badhwani have stated there have been an increase in use of tractors and other equipment in agriculture farming.

Increase in milk production has also been reported particularly in Akhrar and Baruahi villages where Dairy Centres have been set up by an outsider and by Government under SGSY (Market Infrastructure Development). In the village Narbar on Kalyanpur - Shahpur Road, 70 percent of the villagers go to nearby Shahdol town every day for selling milk (1-2 litres per household) and this has been made possible by the PMGSY road connecting the village with Shahdol.

There has not been any change in significant change in respect of families rearing goats/ sheeps and poultry farming for commercial purposes.

Key Findings

The data presented in the Tables show that significant change in cropping pattern, rearing of goats and sheep, poultry farming and production of milk are yet to take place in six villages/ habitations of the district of Bhopal. This trend is somewhat contrary to normal expectations because markets exist for these products and connectivity has also been established by PMGSY roads. Lack of adequate water seems to be the major hindrance in effecting a change in cropping pattern. The road by itself cannot be expected to influence cropping unless other essential inputs like water and seeds for the crops are made available. However, in the districts of Umaria, Dhar and Datia, which are relatively backward, there has been a perceptible shift in cultivation from traditional crops to vegetables and other cash crops. Availability of water has not been a major hindrance in these areas. Further, individual milk producers have found increased access to shops and dairies in the vicinity because of the PMGSY roads and they have apparently profited from the road.

Impact on Industry

As may be appreciated, roads can only establish connectivity but the growth of industry including village industry depends on other factors notably investments, markets and availability of inputs. Accordingly, it is somewhat early to expect growth of industries in villages/ habitations covered by PMGSY roads. However, the roads have facilitated the induction of buses and vehicles which in turn has encouraged the setting up of small shops / establishments by relatively better off villagers who are located near the road. In a way, opportunities for setting up shops, dairies, repair workshops etc have been presented by the PMGSY roads.

District Wise Findings

District Bhopal

In the village Shastakhedi in district Bhopal, a market complex has come up adjacent to the bus stand and two grocery shops have already started functioning in the complex. Another shop is in the process of being rented out to a dairy owner. Because of the PMGSY roads, the distributors from Bhopal have started sending their salesman to visit these shops and shopkeepers are no longer required to visit Bhopal for obtaining their merchandise. In Garhakalan on Barkhedi Deo to Garha Kalan road in Bhopal, a petty tea stall vendor has diversified into another activity of repairs and retreading of tyre and tubes, taking advantage of the increase in the plying of vehicles on the roads.

District Umaria

It has been observed that quarrying activity has started in village Akhrar connected by road Chandiya to Akhrar in the district of Umaria. A marble mine has also been activated near the village largely because of the facility of transport which have been provided by the road. In the said village, market complexes and shops have been constructed by the affluent villagers who intend to let out some of the shops and keep some of them for their own use. However activity has yet not started.

District of Dhar and Datia

No efforts to set up shops, food outlets etc. have been observed in the selected villages of these two districts which are relatively backward districts.

Key Findings

It is somewhat early to expect growth of industries in villages/ habitations covered by PMGSY roads. However, the roads have facilitated the induction of buses and vehicles which in turn has encouraged the setting up of small shops / establishments by relatively better off villagers who are located near the road.

Impact on Employment

The table below (Table 3) summarizes the responses of a cross section of villagers in respect of employment opportunities created by the construction of selected PMGSY roads.

Table 3: Impact at Village level

Indicators   Increase in on farm employment opportunities due to increase in cropping pattern & intensity Increase in off-farm opportunities employment opportunities in and outside the village due to greater mobility.
Bhopal Rd 1 40.0 95
Rd 2 10.0 91.7
Rd 3 20.0 72.0
Total 23.3 86.2
Datia Rd 4 40 75
Rd 5 80 85
Rd 6 55 55
Total 58.3 71.7
Dhar Rd 7 40 75.0
Rd 8 50 95.0
Rd 9 30 85.0
Total 40 85.0
Umaria Rd 10 60 89.5
Rd 11 50 95.2
Rd 12 65 95.0
Total 58.3 93.2

Note: The figures in the table indicate percentages of affirmative responses of respondents

District Wise Findings

District Bhopal

As can be seen from the above table, the on-farm opportunities in the district Bhopal have not undergone much change because there is hardly any change in the cropping pattern and cropping intensity as described earlier. Few families who have been able to start vegetable cultivation in the habitation of Shastakhedi have got some additional engagement on the farm.

Whereas off-farm activities like dairy has increased additional work for the women folk of the houses in some cases. Also, with the construction of PMGSY roads, buses and other private vehicles have started plying and therefore, now people can go easily to the nearby big villages and towns like Phanda, Runaha, Bhopal and Berasiya for labour work in lean agriculture period. The fast mode of commutation have eased their travelling in terms of time and energy though they have to pay some amount but they feel that may be recovered from the additional income and saving of time. They get Rs.25-30 per day in the village whereas Rs.40-50 in the towns which is better even after spending Rs.8-12 per day on transport. Around 86 percent of the respondents feel that the off-farm job opportunities have increased because of PMGSY road connectivity.

Additional employment: it may be incidentally be mentioned that construction of Phanda - Kolhukhedi PMGSY road, about 80-90 villagers of the village Kolhukhedi got additional work for 1-2 months at the rate of Rs.50 per day as wages. In the other two PMGSY roads, the villagers did not get the opportunity to work during the construction as contractor had brought his own labour from other areas. One villager in Kolhukhedi displayed initiative in supplying water for the construction of the PMGSY road and reportedly earned Rs.80,000 for this job.

District datia

There has been a change in the cropping pattern as described earlier and thus, on-farm activities have increased leading to additional work to cultivators and a few labours also. Around 58 percent of the respondents have stated that there has been an increase in on-farm activities in the habitations along the selected PMGSY roads due to shift cropping pattern.

The PMGSY road has increased mobility and it was observed that some villagers from Kamrari, Kudari, Sainthari, Salethra and Bichauna have started going to nearby towns like Jhansi, Datia, Bhandar and Indergarh etc to work as labour and they earn about Rs.50-60 per day. Over 70 percent of the respondents have stated that the increased mobility has opened up off-farm employment opportunities.

District Dhar

Many cultivators in the district of Dhar have started growing vegetables and other cash crops which require additional labour and resources. Therefore, as seen in the Table 3 above, around 40 percent of the respondents have said that the on-farm work have increased.

With the construction of PMGSY roads in the district, now labour can go to the nearby towns like Manawar, Sighana and Gandhwani for construction work. These are big towns and labour work in government and non-government construction activities are available most of the times of the year. Therefore, 85 percent of the respondents have said that there has been an increase in the off-farm activities primarily because of the construction of PMGSY roads, as their access to such opportunities have improved.

District Umaria

As seen from Table 3 above, 58 percent respondents have said that there has been an increase in the on-farm employment primarily due to shift in cultivation and cropping of cash crops and vegetables in the selected villages of Umaria along the PMGSY roads.

In the villages of Akhrar and Kourriya in Umaria district, about 20 jeeps/ tempos and two buses have been introduced by the villagers for transportation purposes and this has generated direct employment for about 60 individuals. Further, more people have now started commuting between the village and Umaria in search of employment. Again in the village Shahpur of Umaria, people are going to the town to sell woods collected from the jungles and are reportedly getting around Rs.40 per day. About 93 percent of the respondents in Umaria reported increase in off-farm job opportunities because of greater mobility.

Key Findings

Responses indicate shift in cultivation particularly in Umaria, Dhar and Datia in favour of cash crops and vegetables. Since, these require relatively more intensive cultivation, on-farm labour engagement has increased. More people are now going to nearby towns and other villages for odd jobs as well as selling woods, vegetables, and locally made items. A few relatively better off villagers have started repair shops, small grocery shops etc. and in the process additional employment opportunities have come up.

Impact on Health

TThe impact on health was assessed by using indicators like access to PHCs, availability of vehicles or mode of transport to hospitals, Sub-health centres and district hospitals, increase in the visits of health worker, decrease in the incidences of major diseases/ illness and increase in child birth in hospitals etc. The Table below (Table 4) shows the percentage of affirmative responses from the respondents about these indicators.

Table 4: Impact at Village level

Indicators   Improved access to PHCs, Sub Centres and District Hospital Increase in the number of visits of health worker * Decrease in incidences of major diseases / illness like Malaria, Diarrhoea etc. #: Greater availability of vehicles or mode of transport to hospitals $ Increase in the number of child birth in hospitals
Bhopal Rd 1 81 0 100 71.4 95.2
Rd 2 79.2 0 83.3 79.2 100
Rd 3 72 20 80 60 64
Total 77.4 6.7 87.8 70.2 86.4
Datia Rd 4 100 85 85 100 100
Rd 5 100 95 90 95 90
Rd 6 55 65 65 75 75
Total 85 81.7 80.0 90.0 91.7
Dhar Rd 7 95 60 85 95 90
Rd 8 100 70 100 100 95
Rd 9 100 55 100 90 100
Total 98.3 61.7 95 95 95
Umaria Rd 10 94.7 100 57.9 100 15.8
Rd 11 100 95.2 85.7 95.2 9.5
Rd 12 95 95 95 95 5
Total 96.6 96.7 79.5 96.7 10.1

* : the respondents merely stated that in case of occurrence of diseases like malaria, diarrhoea etc., the road will facilitate the visit of medical and paramedical personnel in short time as well as transportation of required medicines/ vaccines etc.

#: Private vehicles are available, some villagers have bought own vehicles, therefore, vehicles may be hired at any time.

$ : the respondents have indicated that existence of the road has facilitated transportation to hospitals in complicated cases of child birth.

District Wise Findings

District Bhopal

The first benefit that all the villagers mention because of these roads is the access to the hospitals. Earlier there used to be Kutcha roads and no transportation, so people used to die on way to hospitals. But now with the construction of roads and plying of the vehicles, the sick people can be taken to hospitals without much delay. The roads have been able to provide all-weather accessibility to the medical facilities to the villagers. There has not been any change in the visits of health worker in the villages of District Bhopal. The accessibility to the district hospital and other PHCs have, however, increased.

Almost 77 percent of the respondents in 6 habitations have said that there has been an increase in the access to the hospitals because of construction of the PMGSY road and availability of vehicles. (Table 4). Modes of public transport are yet to pick up but people have the choice of hiring private jeeps and cars though the charges are higher. The villagers, who can afford transportation charges can access medical facilities in times of needs and emergencies including complicated maternity cases.

District Datia

More or less similar situation prevails in Datia district in respect of transport facility and access to PHCs and hospitals. However, visits of health workers have increased and become regular even in rainy season in the district. About 85 percent of the respondents reported improvement in access to PHCs and hospitals because of PMGSY roads.

District Dhar

98 percent of the respondents expressed the view that the facility of PMGSY roads has improved visits and access to PHCs and hospitals. The visits by health workers have also become regular even in rainy season.

District Umaria

There has not been any change in the visits of health worker in the villages of Umaria. The accessibility to the district hospital and other PHCs has been facilitated by the PMGSY roads. Around 96 percent of the respondents said that there has been an increase in the accessibility to the hospitals. In the recent past, about 50 percent of child-births took place in hospitals under good medical care. This was not feasible earlier.

Decline in incidence of epidemics: The replies of respondents in regard to decline in the incidence of contagious, diseases like malaria, diarrhoea etc have been similar in all the 24 villages of the four districts covered under the study. There has not been any major outbreak of diseases like malaria, diarrhoea in the recent past. The villagers felt that in the event of the outbreak of such diseases, the existence of improved connectivity through the PMGSY roads would prove useful in mobilizing effective steps including medical help quickly to contain such diseases.

Key Findings

Improvement in connectivity has facilitated a greater access to PHCs and hospitals and mortality at child- birth (neo-natal mortality) has declined significantly and in Umaria district the decline has been noticeable (by about 50 percent).

Impact on Education

The indicators which have been used to assess the status of education are: increase in the number of boys and girls going to school for middle and high schools education and increase in the number of availability of teachers in the school. It may be noted at the outset that most of the villages are having primary schools where children, both bys and girls, can go and study but for higher study, they need to go to towns which was difficult particular for girl students because of absence of transport facilities. There has been marked improvement in these respects because of the connectivity brought about by the PMGSY roads as could be seen from Table 5 below.

Table 5: Impact on Education

Indicators   Increase in the number of boys going to school for middle and high school education Increase in the number of girls going to school for middle and high school education Increase in the availability and number of teachers in school
Bhopal Rd 1 12 60 12
Rd 2 15 83.3 15
Rd 3 20 50 12
Total 15.7 64.4 13.0
Datia Rd 4 100 85 100
Rd 5 85 76 76
Rd 6 55 55 55
Total 80 72.0 77.0
Dhar Rd 7 95 95 95
Rd 8 95 95 95
Rd 9 100 100 100
Total 96.7 96.7 96.7
Umaria Rd 10 100 100 42.1
Rd 11 100 100 38.1
Rd 12 95 95 85
Total 98.3 98.3 55.1

Note: The figures in the table indicate percentages of affirmative responses of respondents

District Wise Findings

District Bhopal

Over 15 percent of the respondents in Bhopal districts reported increase in number of boys going for middle and high school education in schools located outside the villages. This may be described because boys were already going to the schools evening the difficult situations. The percentage of favourable response for girls going for higher education has been high at around 64 percent. Inter village differences exist and this can be attributed to the distance of the village from the school outside the village and also the easier and timely availability of private/public buses. The longer distance involves higher transport cost and only those who could afford the same are able to send their wards to schools. The encouraging feature is that whereas the girls who used to sit at home after class V or VIII are now going to schools for studying in higher classes. This is bridging a gap between the level of education of boys and girls.

District Datia

A noticeable number of responses (85 percent) along the Road Seondha to Kudari in Datia district reported significant increase in number of boys and girls going to schools for middle and higher education largely due to availability of transport. Both boys and girls have taken to bicycles as mode of commuting and gender differentiation is diminishing. The situation is not so encouraging in villages along two other roads of Datia district where customs and lack of means of transport seem to be unfavourable. There has not been any appreciable in the availability of teachers.

District Dhar

The Responses (over 96 percent) in Dhar district show encouraging increase in number of boys gong to middle and high schools even girls have started going to the schools. In as much as 97 percent of the respondents have stated that girls have also started attending middle and high schools.

It was leant that a school bus has started operating between the villages and the school and gradually it is expected that apprehensions of villagers about girl students would diminish and girls students will like complete their school education. There has not been any significant change in the availability of teachers in the school.

District Umaria

Almost all the respondents (60) in the six villages of Umaria district stated that the number of boys and girls for middle and high school education has increased. Moreover, they also informed that there has been an increase in the number of teachers in the schools. What is significant is that Umaria is relatively backward and the PMGSY roads seem to have facilitated not only transport but also the incidence of households sending boys and girls to schools. The parents did not feel any concern about their boys and girls going to schools by bicycles and other public and private means of transport. Incidentally, the number of dropouts from school has reportedly declined substantially.

Key Findings

Judging by the response to the questions whether the number of boys and girls going to middle and high school education has increased, it is found that there has been a perceptible increase on this account particularly because of transport facilities, which are now available because of the PMGSY roads. It is heartening to note that parents are not hesitant in sending their daughters to schools in other villages and towns

Impact on Transportation

As expected PMGSY roads have provided all-weather connectivity, facilitated induction of public and private vehicles and contributed to mobility of villagers to access markets, medical facilities and other avenues of employment available in and around towns and villages. It has been observed that cultivators are now confident about selling their products to other markets and they have tended to hold and stock grains and non-perishable food items for selling the same during off-season. This is a remarkable contribution of the PMGSY roads and connectivity these roads have established. The table below (Table 7) indicate the affirmative responses of respondent villagers in regard to increase in private, public and commercial vehicles in the villages.

Table 6: Impact on Transport

Indicators   Increase in the number of bicycles / scooters etc. in the village Improvement in public transport services Increase in commercial vehicles or share jeeps
Bhopal Rd 1 100 100 47.6
Rd 2 79.2 95.8 75
Rd 3 88 4 40
Total 89.1 66.6 54.2
Datia Rd 4 100 0 5
Rd 5 40 45 50
Rd 6 55 55 55
Total 65 33.3 36.7
Dhar Rd 7 95 95 20
Rd 8 100 100 10
Rd 9 100 5 5
Total 98.3 66.7 11.7
Umaria Rd 10 100 100 100
Rd 11 100 95.2 95.2
Rd 12 95 95 95
Total 98.3 96.7 96.7

District Wise Findings

District Bhopal

In Bhopal district the sale of bicycles has gone up significantly. Being affordable, bicycle offers the cheapest and convenient mode of transport to individual villagers including students and workers. To give an example, in the village Shastakhedi, the villagers stated that over 100 bicycles have been added in span of one year and workers and students can move about for pursuing their vocations freely. In four villages located on roads - Phanda- Teelakhedi & Barkhedi Deo- Garha Kalan over 80 percent of the respondents informed that there has been considerable improvement in privately owned bicycles and scooters owned and also public transport services. Commercial vehicles for transporting commodities have also increased.

Even agents of distributors located in towns have started paying visits to small shops in villages for selling articles of daily needs. However, in one of the villages namely Kolhukhedi remains unconnected to the PMGSY road because a bridge is required to be constructed for extending the road upto the village. Thus, connectivity has not been established fully by the road. This lack of connectivity has resulted in virtually no improvement in means of transport in the village.

District Datia

In villages Kudari and Sainthari along the road Seondha - Kudari though there has been reportedly increase in privately owned bicycles and scooters, no improvement has occurred in public and commercial means of transport because these are yet to be introduced. The presence of the road provides the incentive for introducing various modes of transport but the actual induction depends on economic viability.

District Dhar

In the district of Dhar, the respondents perceived an increase in privately owned vehicles and also public transport services like buses in two out of three roads covered in the study. Commercial jeeps and buses are yet to be introduced in Road the third road.

District Umaria

In all the six villages along the three PMGSY roads in Umaria, over 95 percent of the respondents indicated increase in private, public and commercial vehicles and means of transport.

Key Findings

PMGSY roads have provided all-weather connectivity, facilitated induction of public and private vehicles and contributed to mobility of villagers to access markets, medical facilities and other avenues of employment available in and around towns and villages.

Impact on Income

As noted earlier PMGSY roads connecting villages and towns in four districts covered by the study, have facilitated greater mobility, access to markets and other socio-economic services available in the area and as a consequence opened up avenues of employment both on-farm and off-farm. Although, it is early to expect that the roads will impact with full force on employment and income potential, an attempt was made to capture the change in household income of a cross section of 250 households spread across the four districts after construction of PMGSY roads. The replies from the respondent households in the villages of the four districts of the study have been tabulated and presented in the Table - 7 below.

Table 7: Change in Income

District Earlier Average Income of the households (in Rs.) Average Income of the households after the construction of PMGSY (in Rs.)* Difference (In Rs.) Percentage
Bhopal 17214 18958 1744 10.1
Datia 15750 16966 1216 7.7
Dhar 17423 19275 1852 10.6
Umaria 16066 17605 1539 9.5

* After about a year of the construction of PMGSY road

Chapter III - Impact Assessment of PMGSY Roads

The average income effectively hides the inter-household differences in income but even with this limitation, it can be observed that the average incomes of the households have recorded increases in the range of 7.7-10.6 percent. Significantly, households having incomes in the range of Rs.25000-40000 (middle range) have realized higher increase in income by 25-40 percent. The major reason appears to be change in cropping pattern and market access. Those who succeeded in getting jobs (on or off farm jobs) obviously earned additional income. Again those cultivators who experimented with cash crops and vegetables (other than traditional grains) apparently realized higher incomes by selling these products at a higher price in a wider market than hitherto.

Key Findings

PMGSY roads have facilitated mobility to markets and access to markets and opened up avenues of employment both on-farm and off-farm. The replies from the respondents (250 households) show that average income has recorded increase in the past one year by 7.7-10.6 percent.

Savings in Time

Earlier considerable time and energy were wasted by villagers in going from one place to another. Thus, cultivators used to take more time to reach markets, students had to spend more time in travelling to school and back home, sick persons used to take time to reach doctors etc. With the coming of roads now, everyone is able to save travel time and conserve energy for constructive works and accessing health and medical care, schools and colleges etc. The opportunity benefit is substantial.

Key Findings

The improvement in transport facilities has resulted in considerable savings in travel time.

Impact on Land Prices

The PMGSY roads have contributed to increase in land prices in varying degrees depending upon the location of the lands along these roads. Naturally, lands located by the side of the road have commanded higher prices. The table below shows the change in the land prices over the period of one to one and a half year.

Table 8- Change in the agriculture Land prices

District Village Earlier (Rs. In ‘000 per acre) Present (Rs. In ‘000 per acre)
Bhopal Kolhukhedi 35-40 35-40
Kadhyia Khurd 35-40 40-45
Garha Kalan 40-45 50-55
Kalyanpur 25-30 25-30
Teelakhedi 40-45 60-75
Shastakhedi 40-45 80-85
Datia Kamrari 15-20 25-30
Banwas 12-15 18-20
Kudari 20-22 25-26
Sanithri 24-25 30-35
Saletera 50-55 75-80*
Bichana 50-55 85-90*
Dhar Langoor 50-55 80-90
Ajantikoti 35-40 50-60
Pipli 40-45 65-70
Panwa 30-35 45-50
Bhamoria 20-25 30-40
Banhania 25-30 40-45
Umaria Akhrar 25-30 50-60
Kauriya 25-30 40-45
Sahpur 20-25 27-30
Narbar 20-25 20-25
Itaur 15-20 20-25
Baruahi 15-18 19-20

* due to road and construction of canal in the area.

3.9.2 Key Findings

PMGSY roads have increased the land prices by varying amounts depending upon location of land along these roads. On an average, land prices per acre have recorded increase in by 12-60 percent.

Impact on Urbanization

The PMGSY roads have not yet caused urbanization of villages along the road in the strict sense of the term. Only, in Shahpur village located along Kalyanpur- Shahpur road in District Umaria, a Shahdol town inhabitant has purchased land for starting some business / enterprise. However, different types of urban-village integration as told by respondents are taking place. These are again the result of connectivity established by the roads. Better transport and incidental communication facilities have led to market integration for village products and vice verca. Small vendors from towns now find it easier to visit villages and sell their wares to villagers. Even, peddlers of locally brewed alcoholic beverages have started visiting male villagers at some discrete places for selling their products. These products are reportedly substituting indigenous mahua to which villagers were used to and which have lesser harmful effects. The respondents particularly females voiced their concerns as they fear that a part of the income will be spent on these unwanted habit.

Key Findings

The PMGSY roads have not yet caused urbanization of villages along the road in the strict sense of the term. Only, in Shahpur village located along Kalyanpur- Shahpur road in District Umaria, a Shahdol town inhabitant has purchased land for starting some business / enterprise. However, different types of urban-village integration as told by respondents are taking place due to improved connectivity. Better transport and incidental communication facilities have led to market integration for village products and vice verca. Small vendors from towns now find it easier to visit villages and sell their wares to villagers. Even, peddlers of locally brewed alcoholic beverages have started visiting male villagers at some discrete places for selling their products.

Impact on Social Aspects

Neon light Attraction Effect

Impressionistic youth, who were not able to access easily various types of entertainments available in the nearby towns are now being increasingly attracted to these, thanks to new transport facilities. Now they go to watch movies, circus, fairs etc. to towns like Bhopal, Manawar, Bagh etc. Even some youths, as reported by female respondents, frequent towns and other villages to while away their time and not necessarily for job hunting.

Decline in Gender Discrimination

Earlier for higher schooling, children used to walk down for some distance and then used to catch a bus for the schools and this travelling used to take at least 3-4 hours a day. This was the major factor which discouraged the parents to send their daughters for higher schooling. After passing Vth or VIIIth standards, from the village school, girls used to sit at home and parents would get them married at early age of 15-18 years. Now with the construction of PMGSY roads and plying of private buses and jeeps, girls have got the opportunity to go for higher classes even when these schools are far flung. The parents are also not apprehensive in sending their daughters to these schools. Thus, the gap in educational level of girls and boys have started bridging up and the girl child is no longer discriminated against in regard to higher education.

Maternity Care

Previously, when there was no roads, the pregnant woman even in complicated cases very rarely could get quality medical attention, as there was no proper means of transportation on Kutcha roads. Thus, many pregnant women and newly born children have died because of delay in medical treatment. Now, private jeeps and cars may be hired in the case of emergencies and these women can be taken to the hospitals for safer child birth and better maternity care.

Women Empowerment

Earlier in the absence of roads, men and women had to walk down for visiting relatives and going to work places. The roads were not only bad but also deserted in many places so that every time a female would venture out to go other places including their work place, a male companion was required. Now, with the availability of buses and private jeeps, women have started going alone to the markets and also to visit their relatives. Now, they no longer depend upon the men to take them to these places. This independence has boosted the confidence of all and particularly those who are working like Aanganwadi workers, now they reach on time in the meetings, can attend till late and come back safely and in lesser time. Their mobility, independence and efficiency have thus, increased. A new sense of awakening among women has emerged.

Social Integration

Because of the Kutcha roads and lack of means of transportation, people used to face difficulties in commutation. So generally, relatives staying outside the unconnected villages used to avoid coming to these villages. Even people were quite apprehensive in making new relationships. Thus, people were not ready to marry their daughters to the boys of these villages, as it would have restricted their visits as well as their daughter's visits to parents houses after the marriage. Now, with improved connectivity mobility has been made easier and parents are no longer hesitant to give their daughters in marriage to boys to distant villages.

Key Findings

The phenomenon of neon light attraction has drawn villagers to town and entertainments. However, parents are not apprehensive in sending their wards to schools located near the towns for higher education because of availability of transport. The gap in educational level of boys and girls is narrowing. Remarkable improvement in maternity care due to easier access to hospitals has reduced mortality of newly born children. Women can travel in buses without depending upon the male companions and this has given them a measure of independence. Those who are going for work like Aanganwadi workers can now reach on time to attend to their work and come back safely. Better connectivity has improved social integration through marriages and other festivals.

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