Rural development is one of the core functions of the Department. The Department conceptualized its function as follows: to initiate, facilitate, coordinate and catalyse the implementation of a comprehensive rural development programme that leads to sustainable and vibrant rural communities. For the current financial year, the focus under this programme would be on improving the quality of life for people living in rural areas. The fundamental aspect of improvement of the lives of the people included deepening public participation, improving skills, building enterprises and institutions, and provision of access to socio-economic infrastructure. The Department reported that a major priority for this programme is to roll out CRDP to 22 poorest districts identified by government for poverty alleviation.