New Delhi: Nagarkurnool Member of Parliament Dr. Mallu Ravi has written to different Union Ministers and Minister of State for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development urging them to restore the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad and allocate the necessary budget for its continued operation.
Dr. Mallu Ravi addressed letters to Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Kamlesh Paswan, and Pemmasani Chandrashekar seeking their urgent intervention in reversing the budgetary cut and ensuring the smooth operation of NIRDPR.
The Union Budget for 2025-26 has slashed the funding for NIRDPR to a mere ₹1 lakh, jeopardizing the future of this prestigious institution.
The funding cut has raised serious concerns among employees, academicians, and policymakers. The institute plays a pivotal role in rural development policy-making, capacity building, and training for Panchayati Raj institutions across the country.
Dr. Mallu Ravi said NIRDPR, Hyderabad, has been an integral part of India’s rural development framework for over 65 years, providing training to thousands of rural development officers, Panchayat functionaries, and self-governance representatives.
The institution has also collaborated with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in advancing rural development programs.
Expressing deep concern over the fate of the 222 employees and their families affected by this decision, Dr. Mallu Ravi urged the government to restore full financial support and continue NIRDPR’s operations from its Hyderabad campus. He emphasized that NIRDPR must not be neglected or relocated as it has played a crucial role in implementing flagship schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY-G, NRLM, and PMGSY.
Dr. Mallu Ravi requested urgent intervention from the Centre to address the crisis and ensure that NIRDPR continues its mission of strengthening rural governance, empowering local self-governance bodies, and fostering sustainable rural development across India. He also called for a stakeholder consultation involving state governments, rural development officials, and NIRDPR faculty to discuss the institute’s future.
Dr. Mallu Ravi remains committed to raising this issue at every possible forum and will continue advocating for the rights of NIRDPR employees and the overall development of rural India.
