Scheme for Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns (IDSMT)

- During the sixth plan, this scheme (IDSMT) was started in the form of Union Government sponsored programme to stop the migration of the population from the rural areas to the urban areas, to create employment opportunities in small and medium towns, and to provide adequate infrastructural facilities in these towns.
- This scheme was carried on in the Seventh and the Eighth plan also. In the Eighth plan, an amount of Rs. 155 crore was allocated for this programme.
- In the financial year 1998-99, an expenditure of Rs. 35 crore was made on this scheme.
- By March 1998,920 towns were included under this scheme. Ninth Plan (1997-2002) targeted to include 400 towns in the scheme.
- On December 3, 2005, IDSMT has been integrated with newly started scheme Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
- Under this programme, financial assistance is provided for transport, development of markets and wholesale markets, tourism facilities, park and playgrounds, construction of slaughter-houses, lighting on the roads, construction of drains and other related activities.
- The maximum limit of the population of the towns that are to be included under this programme has been increased from 1 lakh to 3 lakh on the basis of the census of 1991.
- The limit of the Central assistance amount has been increased from 50% to 60% for this programme.