Rural development in India; Problems and prospects

Abstract

During the past 25 years, a large number of rural development projects were taken up in many countries. India India, a beginning was made in this direction through the community development programme, followed by programmes for increased agricultural production and rural employment. In the early years, rural development was considered synonymous with the growth of agriculture and allied sectors like animal husbandry and dairying, forestry, fisheries, and infrastructure facilities such as drinking water, roads, schools, hospitals, and rural electrification. Over the years, rural development has emerged as a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of a specific group of people - the rural poor.