The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) conducted a two-day conference on June 6-7, inviting some of the brightest minds to brainstorm and create a roadmap for Rural India during the Amrit Kaal (Golden Era). The conference, titled "Evolving India: Re-imagining Rural Development for Shared Prosperity," was inaugurated by Minister Giriraj Singh, in New Delhi.

The two-day conference brought together experts and professionals to discuss six key themes vital to India's rural transformation. They included leveraging digital opportunities for rural India, strengthening the nexus of agri-food, climate change, nutrition, and gender, entrepreneurship and jobs for rural youth, investing in the rural-urban transition, reimagining the design of collectives, and financing for inclusive rural growth.

Singh highlighted the inspiring stories of self-help group (SHG) women, acknowledging the impact of policies like DAY-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The ministry aims to empower SHG women, promote sustainability, inclusivity, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals through strategic partnerships with the World Bank and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

World Bank country director, Auguste Tano Koume, acknowledged the partnership's impact on transformation and the challenges of rural livelihood opportunities. In a video message, Hari Menon, country director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) India, highlighted the initiatives supported by the foundation's partnership with the Government of India, enabling the empowerment of women through self-help groups.

The conference witnessed speakers and attendees from various sectors, including national and state government officials, civil society representatives, academics, grassroots voices, and private sector observers closely monitoring rural development. GDi,  a social impact consulting start-up joined as the knowledge partner of the event.

The MoRD plans to shape the future of rural development in India with a medium-term plan for 2024-2030 and a long-term plan for 2024-2047. It aims to align institutions, build safety nets, address disparities, and foster market-led growth.