The ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) has completed nine years in power, and the countdown for the next general elections in 2014 has begun. Though in the past four years the government has been rocked by corruption scandals and leadership paralysis, UPA has been hyping its development agenda for rural areas and hopes to come back to power on its strength. Since 2004, the government has been creating legally enforceable entitlements for basic necessities: right to information, rural employment guarantee programme and the Forest Rights Act are in force, while the Right to Food Bill and the new Land Acquisition and Resettlement and Rehabilitation Bill are pending Parliament approval. Down To Earth has been tracking all the UPA flagship programmes with wide field reportage and incisive analysis. A quick look at the progress of these programmes to help you arrive at your own verdict on UPA's development agenda:
481 million households employed till now, but job demand is coming down
9.5 million works taken up
But only 1.3 million works completed
Verdict: Had huge potential for rural rejuvenation but lack of village-level planning killed it
DTE analysis: 2013
DTE analysis: 2012
DTE analysis: 2011
DTE analysis: 2010
DTE analysis: 2006
32,42,766 claims have been filed
12,98,582 titles have been distributed
0.6 million community rights recognised
But just a few thousand give people the right over minor forest produce like bamboo and tendu
Verdict: The law means a lot for the tribal population, but government wants to dilute it
DTE analysis: 2013
DTE analysis: 2010
Will benefit 70% rural households through subsidised foodgrains
Entitlements under proposed law still not clear
Pending in Parliament, but states have started enacting their own food security laws
Verdict: Political uncertainty may hinder its passage
DTE analysis: 2013
Will replace a colonial law and arms government with powers to acquire private land
But the Bill is being opposed vehemently
Pending in Parliament
There is no consensus on the Bill even though main Opposition party supports it
Verdict: A compromised bill may not protect people from unfair compensation and rehabilitation
DTE analysis: 2013
DTE analysis: 2012
DTE analysis: 2011