Firka Development Scheme of Madras:

          It was government sponsored and aimed at the attainment of the Gandhian ideal of Gram Swaraj. The scheme was launched in 1946 in 34 Firkas throughout the state and on April 1, 1950, it was extended to another 50 additional Firkas, at the rate of two Firkas for each district. The scheme, which aimed at attacking of the rural problems as a whole, as well as in parts, consisted of short term plans for the development of rural communications, water supply, formation of panchayats, organization of cooperatives and programmes for sanitation, as also long term plans to make the area self-sufficient through agricultural, irrigational and livestock improvements and the development of khadi and other cottage industries.

          The collector, was primarily responsible for the successful working of athe scheme in the district. Each Firka was divided into 5 to 10 groups of villages which were put in the charges of Gram Sewaks. Each Firka or Group of Firkas was provided with special staff like agricultural field man, administrative officers, P.W.D., Supervisors and minor irrigation oversees. It the state level, there was a state Rural welfare Board comprising the heads of the departments and influential and constructive social workers. This board drew up the comprehensive plan of Firka Development October, 1947.

          In order to effectively stimulate healthy competition between official and non-official agencies, the Government of madras decided to entrust the development schemes to non-officials agencies engaged in doing constructive work. Five non-official agencies were actually selected and paid grants for doing Firka Development of:

1. Rural Reconstruction
2. Drinking water facilities
3. Sanitateon
4. Agriculture
5. Khadi and village industries