Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Birender Singh today said the income of rural area should be doubled by the next five years. <br/><br/>Speaking at a conference of State Ministers of Panchayati Raj in New Delhi, the Minister said it will be possible when every effort is made to improve the condition of the rural population. <br/><br/>He said Panchayati Raj Ministry is the best agency to realise this. Mr Singh said innovations to tackle a variety of issues are needed to bring the overall change in the development of rural areas.<br/><br/>The Minister said infrastructure should be built in rural areas, which will lead to economic activity and income for the rural population. He also laid stress on making rain water harvesting a public movement. <br/><br/>He said water conservation in all Panchayats can solve the problems which arise out of droughts. Mr Singh also emphasised that cleanliness should be a priority for all Pnachayats, and they should strive to bring an end to open defecation.