The PURA scheme by the former President Dr. Abdul Kalam refers to :

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (d) Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas

Explanation:
The PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme was proposed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, to bridge the urban-rural divide by providing essential infrastructure and economic opportunities in rural areas. The initiative aimed at holistic rural development by integrating physical, electronic, and knowledge connectivity to empower villages and make them self-sufficient.

Under PURA, rural areas were to be provided with urban-like facilities such as roads, electricity, water supply, healthcare, education, and technology access, while also promoting employment through sustainable economic activities. The objective was to curb migration to cities and improve the quality of life in rural India.

Information Booster:
● Dr. Kalam introduced the PURA concept in his book “Target 3 Billion.”
● It aims to create sustainable rural clusters that can drive economic and social growth.
● The Ministry of Rural Development implemented a pilot PURA scheme in 2010.
● The scheme focused on four types of connectivity – physical, electronic, knowledge, and economic connectivity.
● Public-Private Partnership (PPP) was encouraged for its successful implementation.