With approximately 66% of the population of Punjab living in rural areas, development initiatives in this lifeline of the state cannot be overemphasized. The State is taking multiple steps in order to promote the sustainable socio-economic development of rural backward areas of Punjab via initiatives like education, health care, creating opportunities for women, fight against drugs/AIDS and human-rights/social justice for all. Among the major initiatives of the State are:

• To work towards availability of potable drinking water by 2011 in the State comprising of 14,111 rural habitations.
• Proposed to launch mega irrigation project with an outlay of Rs 3,243 cr. for strengthening of major canal systems.
• Approved project on rural connectivity and irrigation by NABARD* with an outlay of Rs. 245 cr.