1.

1 Introduction Business setsthe

the
our society.
affects every part of breakfast table
and bread on the
Business makes things happen pen, the
mother's business is not
and provides the props.
It produces even though
e bread goes. In short,
into which the
c d tne
pop up toaster
to business. space ambitious
everything, everything goes centre, has
world's outsourcing
which is the the last 20 years
we know of India rate over
GDP growth
growing at an e n o r m o u s terms of GDP on
programmes, the country when viewed in
3rd largest economy
and has eventually become the world's
Power Parity basis).Several
basis).Several
Product on Purchasing
aa PPP basis (Gross Domestic
and services.
Moreover, with rising
big market for their goods
multinationals view India as a
number
number of graduates and
of and
with large a
income levels, increasing literacy along favourable demographic dividend has
increasing internet penetration and a
undergraduates, set up their workplaces in
added to India's attraction.
has made these multinationals
This force and the growing
order to the twin advantages of a quality educated work
India in reap
member of the G-20, and will
be a member of
wonder that India is a coveted
market. No
G-8 as well in years to come.

the universal appeal of Yoga, associated with the culture

Recognizing
21" June as the International Yoga
and heritage of India, the United Nations has proclaimed
of 'Statue of Unity' and of
Day. The world talks of bollywood industry, of Indian celebrities,
has been
the Mahal, which is amongst the world's seven wonders. Globally, cognizance
Taj
taken of improving infrastructure in India with projects such as metro trains, bullet trains,
of the art residential and commercial real estate seen in
express ways and a state
metropolitarn cities, especially the sky scrapers in the city of Mumbai.
However, there is another India which has been far less developed in terms of
infrastructure, education levels, information and access to basic and modern amenities. This
is the Rural India, which accounts for nearly 65 %ofIndia's population.The people here are
predominantly occupied with agriculture and allied occupation, and serve as the food
supplier to the whole of India, including their urban counterparts. One has to seriously view
the development of rural areas as it comprises of a larger population and secondly, there i

1.2
 Introduetlon to Rural Developmet
Fundamentals of Rural Development
rurai
there is slla long way for
the resicdents o
a scope in development of these areas as
and of ultirnate
odenzalion, globallzation
areas to capture the truits of technology,
progress and prosperity.

1.2 Difference between Rural Area and Urban Area

nodern
advanced in terrms of
Urban areas reter to metropolitans, cities which are

sawy. The urban area has industries, job

amenities, intrastructure, and is technologically These areas
other basic needs.
adequate to water, olectricity and
opportunities, and access
technologies. As a result,
ahead of time when it comes to embracing new products and
are
to their rural
cOunter parts.
of urban people is advanced as compared
the standard of living remain
activities and
Rural areas, on the other hand, occupled with agrlcultural
are
in
and improving thelr lives. In other words, people
behind time in embracing modernization
an agrarian economy,
Rural areas tend to have
rural areas are engaged in primary industry.
based on mining, logging,
even though many rural areas are
an economy
characterized by
oil and gas exploration or tourism industry.
areas. There is still a long
There exists a in the development of rural
tremendous scope
fruits of technology, modernization,
for the residents of rural areas to capture the
way several schools in cities
and of ultimate progress and prosperity. For instance,
globalization
libraries, while schools in rural
areas
have world class air conditioned classrooms and digital
find it hard to even have access to classrooms and benches.
between rural areas and urban areas.
The table 1.1 summarizes the major differences
Table 1.1

Basis Urban areas Rural areas

Predominant activities Industries and services Agriculture and allied
activities

Access to basic amenities Adequate Inadequate

Low
Modernization High
Embracement of Ahead of time Behind time

technolog9y
Standard of living Relatively high Relatively low
Infrastructure Sound infrastructure, and Likewise poor especially
continuously improving seen by potholes on roads
However, still, this etc.
infrastructure is proving
inadequate for people's
requirements
(Contd.)
 Fundamentals of Rural
Development Introduction to Rural Developmenet

Basis Urban areas Rural areas

Employment opportunities Good number of Rural areas hardly have any

employment opportunities gainful employment

exist in urban areas opportunities, which result
in migration of rural
populace.to urban areas in
search of livelihoods and

Opportunities
Healthcare (Awareness and Adequate level of health Lack of proper health
facilities) awareness; availability of awareness; Inadequate
small as well as large hospital medical hospitals and
chains such as Apollo, Galaxy nursing homes
Care etc.
1.3 Concept of Rural Area and Development
Rural refers to country side or villages, wherein people are primarily engaged in
agriculture and allied occupations such as farming of crops, poultry etc. Rural areas are
characterized by a non urban lifestyle, occupational structure, social organisation and
settlement pattern. Rural areas remain backward in terms of access to basic amenities,
embracing new products and technologies and have a lower standard of living. The
settlement system in rural areas consists of villages or homesteads. Socially it connotes
greater interdependence among people and a more deeply rooted community life .A slow
moving rhythm of life built around nature and natural phenomenon is visible in rural areas.
Development is a different concept in different fields. For example, In economics, it
means a rise in GDP and other macro economic indicators. In Science, it is viewed as
technological or industrial development. In sociology, it is viewed as social change and so
on. However, development broadly
implies a movement towards freedom to select goals
and ability to achieve them. Development denotes a positive quantitative as well as
qualitative change. One can view of development as growth or evolution, or stage of
advancement. Development is a universally cherished goal of individuals, of families, of
communities and of nations all over the world.
1.4 Rural Development Concept
After being aware of the concept of rural and
rural development as improving standard of
development, we can thus understand
living of people residing in rural areas
on a sustainable basis and
making them self reliant.
Rural Development is a process of developing and utilizing natural and human
resources, technologies, infrastructural
facilities, institutions and organizations,
government policies and programmes to promote and escalate economic
employment opportunities and to improve the qualitygrowth
rural areas, to create in
of rural
1.4
 Introduction to Rural Development
Fundamentals of Rural Development
The
life, so as
to make the rural populace self reliant in a sustainable manner.
ultimate idea of rural development is improving the quality of life of poor peopie
and the weaker sections in rural areas.
Rural development implies raising the socio economic status of the rural population
on a sustainable basis. It encompasses overall development of
rural areas with a view
in rural areas.
to improve the quality of life and economic well being of people living
De
resources, may it
This is to be achieved through optimal utilization of local
Rural development
natural resource such as land, minerals or the human resources.
is basically meant to ensure self reliance ('Atma Nirbhar) in the rural people
realisation of people
development aims at improving the well being and self
Rural
living outside the urbanized areas through a collective process.
Rural development implies helping the rural people to set the priorities in their own
the local
communities effective and democratic bodies, by providing
through services. It
and an investment in basic infrastructure, healthcare and social
capacity rural
also denotes justice, equality and ensuring safety
and security of the

population, especially that of women.

transformation of rural masses into self reliant and selr
Rural development connotes
sustaining modern little communities.
of the
The sphere of rural development encompasses an integrated development
of local resources, be
rural populace through optimum development and utilisation
about necessary
it physical, biological and human resources and by bringing
institutional, structural and attitudinal changes of people therein.
of
Nevertheless, the concept of rural development remains on the top agenda
national politics, simply because 65 % of the country's population has to be taken
care of.
Since Independence, several great thinkers have thought of rural development in
terms of different ways, as cited below:
Mahatma Gandhi had viewed development of rural areas through eradication of
poverty
(i) Rabindranath Tagore's view towards development of people in villages was
centred around creation of happiness
Cii) According to the Baroda Plan of V.T. Krishnamachari, to raise the standard of
villagers, it is necessary to create a desire of hope in them to bring that level of
living.
(iv)For Spencer Hatch, objectives of rural development were five fold mental,
spiritual, physical, economic and social well-being

1.5
Fundamentals of Rural Introductionto Rural Development
Development
Thus, in economic life
development has meant building of hope, improvement
r u r a l people, creation of happiness, eradication of poverty and building of
capabilities of the rural population.
Development of rural areas can be achieved through improvements in ththe
gcuitural techniques, provision of electricity, construction of school buildings,
OSIOn of education facilities, health care facilities and through infrastructure such
as roads.
Government of India (GOD has emphasized plans and strategies towards Rural
Development in its 5 year plans. Development strategies under Five Year Plans have
been essentially centred around rural development such ás achievement of high
growth, reduction of poverty, ensuring food security, and redressing social in equity
and unemployment. The Five Year Plans stressed on the role of rural institutions in
achieving these developmental goals and proposed measures for building up the
institutional strengths.
Since independence, the concept of rural development has moved from a broad
View of agricuitural development and community to a narrow view of a strategy
design to improve the socio economic life of rural people. Rural development is a
part of inclusive development, which implies extending benefits of development to
the poorest, small farmers, tenants and landless. Rural development is not meant for
merely improving the level of living of these people, but also to bring about a
greater degree f their participation in the development process.

Rural development thus encompasses:

Improving quality life of rural population.
Development of agriculture.
Making environmentally safe living condition in rural areas.
Improvement in nutrition and health.
Improvement in transport and communication facilities.
Awareness.
Education facilities.
Healthcare facilities.
Reduction in income inequalities.
Reduction in gender inequalities.
Making the rural areas more productive,
Reducing the vulnerability of rural areas to natural hazards.
Inclusive participation of people in the development process, keeping traditions
and customs intact.

1.6
 Fundamentals of Rural Development Rural Development
Introduction to

Rural development thus implies a desired positive change in the lives

aid
inhabitants, both in a quantitative as well as aualitative terms. Social, economic,
technological sphere of human life is bound to alter for better.
mean mply
AS rightty Said by Mahatma Gandhi, the real progress of India did not
the growth and expansion of industrial urban centres but mainly the development o
the villages.
orienteu
Rural development involves a process of transformation of traditionally
rural culture towards one of embracing science and technology.

1.5 Definitions OT e
The process of rural development, fundamentallv imolies developing
quality o
basis.
people living in rural areas economically and socially, on a sustainable
have tried to define rural development
DiTerent experts in the concerned area

major ones are given below

through collective efforts, aumed
ACCording to H. Crops, "Rural development is a process
outside the urbanisation area.
at umproving the well-being and self-realisation of people living
economic and
"Rural development is a strategy to improve the
According to World Bank,
the rural including small and marginal farmers,
social life of specific group of
a people, poor
tenants and the landless."

As per United Nations, "Rural Development is a process of change,

by which the efforts of
authorities to improve their economic,
the people themselves are united, those of government
communities in to the life of the nation and to enable them to
social and cutural conditions of
contribute fuly to national programme..
rural community from the
Rural Development is a process of bringing change among
traditional way of living to a progressive way of living. It
is also expressed as a movement for

progress".
is a strategy to enable a specific
According to Robert Chambers, "Rural development
more of
women and men, to gain for themselves and their children
group of people, poor rural
what they want and need. It involves helping the poorest among
those who seek a livelihood in
the rural areas to demand and control more of the benefits of rural development. The group
includes small scale farmers, tenants and the landless."

According to "Rural Development is a strategy to improve the economic and

Agarwal,
social life of a specific group of people- the rural p0or, including small and marginal farmers,
tenants and landless."
According to Ensminger, "Rural Development is a process of transformation from
traditionally oriented rural culture towards an acceptance and reliance on science and
technology."
1.7
 velopmen Introduction
- to Rurai Development

1.6 Scope of Rural

Development
Nural development is multi disciplinary in nature. It borrows from several disciplines such
GS dgricutural sciences, social sciences, behavioural studies and management studies.

Agricultural
Sciences

Social
Sciences
Behavioural
Studies

Management
Studies

Fig. 1.1: Scope of Rural development

It is a multi dimensional process which
Rural development is an ideology and a practice.
encompasses varied aspects of rural life.
development, as enlisted below:
Different spheres of rural life form the scope of rural
Economic activities can lead to increasing income of rural
1. Economic development:
of socio economic
populace, thereby aiding consumption. Development
schools etc. will
infrastructure which implies setting up of rural banks, cooperatives,
support economic development.
2. Social sphere: There is a need to develop and empower rural masses through
several community development programmes, and instill a sense of confidence in
them. Development in rural areas can be a broad based reorganization and
mobilization of rural masses in order to enhance their capacity to cope effectively
with the daily task of their lives and with changes consequent upon this.
3. Basic needs: Provision of basic needs such as electricity, drinking water in adequate
quantities in rural areas is required.
4. Technological: While talking of Digital India', penetration oftechnologies such as
internet to rural areas will assume a great importance.
5. Development of village and cottage industries: These have been long a source of
employment and income opportunity for the rural populace. Engaging the rural
people in productive activities such as the establishment of rural industries wil
increase their income.
6. Eradication of poverty: For long, there has been a reliance on Trickle-down eftect
which stated that economic gains received by the rich eventually flow to the poo
1.8
Fundamentalsof Rural Development Introduction to Rural Development

However, it has not yielded desired results. But now, its time to develop innovative
ways to bring poor people out of the poverty line. Several poverty related
programmes advocated by the Central Government for poverty alleviation need to
be implemented rigorously. Technology can be used for effectively implementation
of these programmes. GOI (Government of India) is using JAM trinity (Jan-Dhan
account, Aadhar Card and Mobile) to make the Government support available to the

poor
7. Political sphere: It implies, enhancing the opportunities for the poor and ow
income people in rural areas to effectively and eaually participate in the political

processes at the village level.

for their
times, do not get sufficiently paid
poor in rural
8.
Fair wages: Many a areas
Gandhi National
Work. More of Government aided programmes such as Mahatma
be designed to ensure fair wages
Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) can

to rural population.
compared to
9. Public health : Rural areas have quite less number of hospitals as

urban areas. Even, healthcare facilities are not adequate

areas so as to boost
10. Employment: Creation of employment opportunities in rural
demand and impact livelihoods in a positive manner
sector will
11. Agriculture development: Improving the productivity of the agricultural
not only make villages, but also the whole nation self sufficient in foodgrains.

Modern agricultural techniques as well as machinery and equipments should be

used to achieve this purpose.
India remain
12. Infrastructure and connectivity: Villages in developing countries like
backward as compared to urban areas because of bad connectivity, leading to a
social divide between urban and rural areas. Hence, infrastructure of rural areas,
starting with the roads should significantly improve.
13. Education: A quality education can help in achieving the goal of eradication of
social evils. Moreover, with increasing literacy rates and development of skills and
expertise, rural populace will be in a position to tap several employment and self
employment opportunities.
14. Credit: Banking system in rural areas should be improved for people to have easy
and hassle free access to loans.
15. Land refoms: This is a crucial area, which when implemented properly can lead to
equitable development in rural areas.

1.9
 Fundamentals of Rural Development Introduction to Rural Develop
pme
Inclusive Rural Developmen
Econome Dimension

Capecity and opportunities to

perticipate in and benefit
from growth process

Social Dimension
Inclusive Comprehensive social
Rural Development development

Political Dimenslon
Capacity and opportunities
to participate in

political process

Fig. 1.2: Inclusive Rural Development

(Source: Rural Development Outcomes and Drivers by N.A. Fernando)

rural development is a more precise concept

than rural development inclus
nciusive
Tural development aims to enhance the quality of life of all members ofthe rural society

As shown in the figure above, Inclusive rural development stresses on 3 interrelate

dimensions.
1 Economic dimension
2. Social development
3 Political dimension
1 Economic dimension:
Economic dimension comprises of providing capacity building and opportunitiesiv
the beneis
the poor and low income rural households. This will enable them to reap
than te
of economic growth. Their average incomes can grow at a higher rate
average income growth in the sector.
Economic dimension also focuses on measures to reduce intra sectoral as well
inter sectoral income inequalities.
2. Social dimension:
It is concerned with provision of support and facilities for social development
poor and low income rural households, promoting gender equality, Empowe
women to take control of their lives and make all round development and providu
social safety nets for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
B y social dimension, one also means eliminating inequalities in social indicatos

1.10
 Rural Development
Fundamentalsof Rural Development Introduction to

3. Political dimension:
Political dimension concerns with improving opportunities for the poor a
income people in rural areas, including women and ethnic minorities.
Basicaly, the rural poor and disadvantaged folks should be able to effectively an
equally participate in the political processes at the village level anaDEy
tne
outside
compared with any other categories of the population within and
area rural populace as well as urban areas.
1.7 Need and Importance of Rural Development
ne need to develop rural areas on a holistic basis is aptly captured in Manduo
But
Gandhis view
o
'India is to be found not in its few cities but in its 70,00,000 villages.createu
were
dwellers have believed that India is to be found in its towns and the villages to

if those poor folk get suicient

minister to our needs. We have hardly paused to enauire
shelter themselves TrOm Su
eat and clothe themselves with and whether thev have a roof to

and rain
variety or aspet.is;
areas, in a
Rural development, concerned with development of rural
receives special significance for several reasons highlighted below
number
Moreover, large
() InIndia, about 65 % of the population still lives in villages.
of these people are below poverty line.
areas can stall the progress of our
nation and act as a major
(11) Backwardness of rural
deterrent even on the economic front.
of the Indian economy.
(ii) Rural areas need to thrive for the overall progress
sufficient demand for the
(v) The
rising incomes of rural population help in ensuring
products of industrial sector.
to the cities, that the city infrastructure will not be
(V) Reduction in rural migration so

over-burdened.
the urban areas by providing them food supplies. They are also
a
(vi) Rural areas serve

source of raw material for several industries.

the nation,
(vii) Untapped talent of rural populace can be utilized for the development of
making them nation building endeavours.
(vii) Agriculture, a major occupation of rural India contributes to nearly one fifth of
India's GDP, and to one half of country's employment.
(ic) To develop the rural youth to be nation building endeavours, and thereby reap the
benefits of favourable demographic dividend.
x)Todevelop rural institutions like panchayat, cooperatives, post, banking and credit
providers
(Ki)Growing inequality between the urban and rural population can lead to political
instability in the country.
(xi) To develop standard of living of rural masses.

1.11
 Introduction to Rural Develon
undamentals of Rural Development
(XIn) To Ithe
ensure provision of minimum facility to rural
communication.
in terms or drinking
topmem
g water
healthcare, education, transport, electricity and communicato
XIV)To develop education, transport, electricy nment
rural industries through the development of
of Small
Small Scale
Scale Indus
cottage industries, handicrafts and other related economic operations in the
ustries (St
lndustries
the rura
sector.
(xv) To eradicate
poverty in rural areas.
for the development of the nation.
utilize
wn) Development
natural resources in rural areas
of rural infrastructure can provide a boost to internal trade
and
Transport, thereby reducing dependency foreign goou
on
(xviii) Surplus produce trom rural areas can contribute to India's exports, tho
augmenting foreign exchange reserves.
erey
XIincreased agricultural production through use of modern farming techniqueses an
help India to not only become self sufficient with respect to food produce, Alphans
but al
but
export cash crops. For example,
alsg
the surplus food grains, especially
mangoes from India are exported worldwide.
Alphang
During the time of corona pandemic, when India was in deep economic distress
s
urban centres were devastated, it was rural economy that provided hope . Aided h
bountiful rains and appropriate Government schemes, it provided reliet to millions.
1.8 Approaches of Rural Development
Rural development
t be
basically means an overall development of masses in rural areas, may
socio economic or on the
participatory front or security or access to better iving
standards. There is no single universal
have been approach to rural development. Several approaches
designed to rural development which has been influenced by time, space and
culture.
These development approaches have focused on different elements of rural
development as follows:
Several approached formulated to development of rural areas are as below:
(i) Broad front Approach.
(ii) Sectoral Approach.
(ii) Participatory Approach.
(iv) Target Approach.
(v) Area Development Approach.
(vi) Package Approach.
(vii) Basic Needs Approach
(vii) Employment oriented Integrated
(ix) Integrated Development Approach to Rural Development.
Approach.
(x) Growth Center Approach.
(xi) Community Driven
(xii) Gandhian Approach.
Development (CDD) Approach.

1.12
 Fundamentals of Rural Development Introduction to Rural Development

Rural Development Approaches

LBroad front approach (Multi-sectoral approach)
LSectoral approach (indlividual sectors such as agriculture, healthcare etc.)

Participatory approach (Local populatilon engagement)

Target approach (Focus on a specialized target group, e.g. marginal farmers)

L Area development approach (Selection of specific areas for development)

Package approach (Focus on increases agricultural production)

LBasic needs approach (Focus onsatistying basic needs of poor)

Employment Oriented Integrated approach (Employment programmes for rural poor)

Integrated development approach (Integration of various facets of rural development)

L Growth centre approach (Creating opportunities for rural people)

Community Development approach (Involvement of people; people as partners)

Gandhian approach (Decision making at local level, moral and spiritual values)
Fig. 1.3: Approaches to Rural Development

1.8.1 Broad Front Approach

Also called as the multi purpose strategy, 'Broad-front approach' puts community
It covers
development and panchayat raj at the forefront of development strategies.
animal
all the major aspects like agriculture and allied occupations such as
welfare
husbandry, industries, communication, 'education, healthcare,
rural women

and social welfare.

This approach was adopted by India in the early fifties, with a holistic view which
focused on different spheres of rural development such as agriculture and related
small scale
activities, animal husbandry, co-operation, irrigation, cottage industries,
industries, healthcare, sanitation, housing, transport and communication,
women

welfare and rural employment.

Community Development Programmes (CDP) and National Extension Service (NES)
were initiated in 1952 for this purpose, with an objective of promoting development
of material and human resources through the co-operative efforts of rural
individuals supported by assistance from the state. CDP was also intended to bring
to be barriers within
aboutchanges in the practices and procedures, which proved
the course of implementation of desired objectives
dimension to the process of change and
CDP and NES programmes added a new
generated community consciousness to solve community problems.

1.13
 Introductlon to Rural Developm.
Fundamentals of Rural Development mem
1.8.2 Sectoral Approach
Sectoral approach aimed at development planning in individual sectors it

agriculture, education, healthcare, housing and social security.

The different sectors act as watertight Compartments, leading
eading to
compartmentalization and there were hardly any attempts made to integrate them
India adopted sectoral approach in 1960's, owing to financial limitations a
and
pressing needs and priorities.
Under Sectoral approach, specific sectoral development programmes such
Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP), Intensive Agricultural Ar
Programme (IAAP), Intensive Cattle Development Programme (ICDP) etc. Wee
re
launched.
These programmes resulted in a stunning increase in total agricultural productin
ion
and productivity per hectare. However, these programmes also resulted in social
inequality and growing regionalimbalances.
1.8.3 Participatory Approach
Participatory Approach stems from participatory development, which is meant to
engage local populations in development projects, right from decision making and
capacities to steer and define the nature of an intervention.
According to Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Participatory development is 1
process through which stakeholders can influence and share control over
development initiatives, and over the decisions and resources that affect
themselves
Projects that rural people plan and implement on their own is given priority as loca
materials ànd human resources are required to get
organized in more operative
manner.
Inparticipatory development, local resources along with skills and expertise of loca
population are put to use on a collective basis.
1.8.4 Target Approach
Under target approach,
specialized or a target group (say, comprised of marginal
a
and small farmers, landless
agricultural labourers) is undertaken and researched
upon for whom special programmes are undertaken. For example, Small Farmer
Development Agency (SFDA) and Marginal Farmers
programmes. Development Agency (MFALDA
Target approach is meant for
improvement of the social and economic life
of a
specialized group of people and/or lagging
Target group approach showed better outcomes
regions or sectors.
where information facilities re
satisfactory and administrative and We
strong. organizational arrangements were convinciny
1.14
 Introduction to Rural Development
Fundamentalsof Rural Development

1.8.5 Area Development Approach

attention for certain
Through this approach, specific areas which required specific
problems to tackle were selected for development initiatives.
Under Area development approach, emphasis has been put upon the development
of backward regions.
The approach calls for spatial and functional integration for development of an area.
the local economy should
Along with an adequate infrastructure network, factors of
be activated around the production infrastructure.
Area development approach presumes that the growth centers have a geographical
spread effect that the regions, which are deficient in terms of infrastructure or
resources, needs to be adequately developed. In order to generate the desired
for the
outcomes, it is necessary to allocate the resources in an appropriate manner
development of backward regions in order to promote well-being of the individuals.
Drought Prone Area Program (DPAP), Tribal Area Development Program (TADP),
Command Area Development Program (CADP), Hill Area Development Program
(HADP) are the major programmes formulated under this approach.
1.8.6 Package Approach
Package approach was meant to increase agricultural production in the country.
Under this approach, emphasis was given on application of all improved practices,
such as seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, plant protection measures and use of improved
agricultural implements.
Several programmes were launched to achieve increased agricultural production:
Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP)
Intensive Agricultural Area Programme (AAP)
High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP).
.8.7 Basie Needs Approach
As the name suggests, basic needs approach proposed the satisfaction of basic
human needs as the overriding objective of national development. It puts the need
for a minimum standard of living of the poor as the central idea.
A development strategy, which aims at reducing poverty and inequality, promoting
employment generation and distributive justice is envisaged.
Minimum Needs Programme (MNP) was introduced in India in 1974 with the
objectives of establishing network of basic services and facilities of social
consumption in all areas of upto nationally accepted norms, which seeked to
improve the consumption of people living below poverty line, therebyimproving
their productive efficiency and their quality of life.

1.15
 Fundamentals of Rural Introduction to Rural Developm
Development nent
The key components of Minimum Needs Programme are
(1) Rural healthcare (2) Rural education

(3) Rural infrastructure/roads (4) Rural drinking water

(5) Rural electrification (6) Housing for landless
()Environmental improvement in slums (8) Nutrition.
1.8.8 Employment Oriented Integrated Approach to Rural Development
In 1978-79, Integrated Rural Development Programme (RDP) was
launched
improve the quality of life of the poor living in the rural areas. This was a multilevel
multi sector, with multi section concept. IRDP envisages the integration n
methodology and approach of both beneficiary oriented programmes as well a
area development programmes.

Ihe following programmes were launched for providing employment to rural poor
) Rural works programme
i) Rural employment guarantee programm
(ii) TRYSEM (Training Rural Youth for Self Employment) programme for
self
boosting
employment in the fields of agriculture and allied activities, industries
services and trade and for imparting technical skills to rural youth.
(iv) Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWCRA).
(V) Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (URY).
1.8.9 Integrated Development Approach
Integrated Development Approach was developed to tackle the problems of rural
poverty,
This approach with a multipurpose thrust to rural.
planning stresses that various
aspects of rural developments are interrelated and cannot be looked at in isolation.
These various facets of rural life such as
growth of agriculture and alied occupations
rural industrialization, education, healthcare,
infrastructure, public works, poverty
alleviation and rural employment programmes should be
holistic
integrated to provide a
development of rural areas.
1.8.10 Growth Center Approach
The approach presumes that rural individuals
and backwardness also possess
residing in the conditions of poverty
sharp mind sets and can make wise decisions. Rura
individuals want to enhance their living conditions and
are looking for
and income generating employment
opportunities to achieve this purpose.
1.16
 Rural Development Introduction to Rural Development
Fundamentals of
For rural individuals to be aware and take advantage of opportunities, growth
centres ought to be created, which will be equipped with facilities such as training
centres, demonstration units, warehouse facilities, developmental schools
Growth center approach calls for bringing facilities, services and panchayatslocal

administration within easy reach of the rural population and the implementation of
of rural individuals in an efficacious
opportunities that would prop up growth
manner

(CDD)/Approach
1.8.11 Communlty-Driven Development
rural people in development
CDD approach calls for increasing involvement of
infrastructure in rural areas with the active
process. It laid emphasis on building of of NES (National Extension
involvement of people through organizational set up
Services)
As per CDD approach, resources and decision making authority is directly imparted
to community groups.
people as assets and partners in the development
Thus, CDD program makes poor
process.
1.8.12 Gandhian Approach
India's rural
to real India
Gandhiji, is found in its villages. His approach to
According would be
was holistic and people centred. The village at the local level
development Decision
of economic development, with much less role for the state.
the focal point
local level through institutions such
as
to be made at the
making is supposed
panchayats.
model:
Following were the premises of the Gandhian
voluntary reduction of
materialistic
) Simple living high
and thinking, implying
wants and pursuit of moral
and spiritual principles of life.
to work to earn his
of labour, which implies that an individual ought
i) Dignity receive subsistence in exchange
for his
he should necessarily
living, and that
labour.
services.
(ii) Preference for indigenous goods and

(iv) Preference for local institutions. motives

moral and spiritual values than economic
Greater emphasis was placed on
was attached to
As a result, more importance
as a means of overall development. as contrast to the
individuals and economic micro groups,
relationships between
development stance.
communities in turn interact
micro groups such as village
According to approach,
with society at large individual into play, thereby leading
to
the role of the
The approach seeked to bring at large.
individual as well as the society
Overall development of the
1.17
 Fundamentals of Rural
Introduction to Rural Developmens
nent
Development
1.9 Strategies in Rural Development
parameters to
attain tne anticipated
dregy involves an ordering of various
policy
t a e g i e s in rural development have given emphasis upon following aspeu

0) Different mixes of agrarian relations.

(i) Production techniques.
(i) State policies.
(v)Agricultural research and extension.
as a part of institution
kIll development and training programmes for farmers
building activities.
and health
(Infrastructure building activity related to transport, communications
facilities.
(Vi) Development of infrastructure related to growth of irrigation.
(Vin) Improvement in marketing facilities for the distribution of agricultural inputs and
implements.
(ix) Policies related to land tenure.
() Policies related to agricultural output and the prices of agricultural produce.
Various types of rural development strategies, keeping agriculture as the focus point are
given below.
Followings are various types of rural development strategies giving central importance
to agrarian relations for
purpose of classification:
1 A strategy based on collectivization of resources.
2. A strategy based regulated capitalist perspective.
on
3. A strategy based on peasant agrarian perspective.
4. A strategy based on unregulated free market
capitalist perspective.
5. Uni-modal strategy.
6. Bi-modal strategy.
Strategies in Rural Development
LBased on collectivization of resources (Collective ownership of land)
Based on regulated capitalist perspective (Capitalist sector + Form sector)
Based on unregulated free market capitalist perspective (Purely capitalize, favours i
land owners)
Based on peasant Agrorian perspective (land reforms;
support small farmers)
Uni-modal strategy (Equitable distribution of land
holdings and other rural resources)
L Bi-modal strategy (Focus of farmers with
large land holdings; non-equitable distribution)
Fig. 1.4: Strategies in Rural Development
1.18
 Introduction to -Rural Development
Development
Fundamentals of Rural
Collectivization of Resources:
based on calls for
1. Strategy is land. The approach
on which emphasis
is placed in the
.Major resource order to eliminate inequalities
land in
of private ownership of
abolishment
ownership of land.
be made more productive
use can
approach believe that land
Advocates of this
through collective ownership. large
consolidated in order to have
of land can be
them, small plots by the use of
According to can be increased
of a large parcel
land
scale cultivation. Productivity advanced agricultural
harvesters and other
such as tractors,
modern technology
machinery. terms of increased production in
in
This strategy has yielded fairly
good success this strategy not in
countries. However,
Soviet Union, China and
the East European
operation anywhere currently.
Perspective:
2. Strategy based on Regulated Capitalist
farmer sector.
capitalist sector and
a
co-existence of a
The strategy envisions a
from the state.
Farmers receive support and protection
sector would be in charge of rapid
growth objective.
As per this approach, capitalist at a rapid pace, the
till the time the non agricultural sectors start growing
However
of unemployment.
farmer sector would address the problem
redistribution of land or
This approach strictly rulesout large scale
any
reconfiguration of land relations.
land reforms are
success only, as meaningful
This strategy has attained a partial in
successful. Moreover, rural inequalities
are ignored
required for this strategy to be
this strategy
Strategy based on Peasant Agrarian Perspective:
3. Small
of land and overhaul of land relations.
The strategy advocates redistribution
take care of growth and employment.
farmers should be supported so that they can
to the
small farmer units, the strategy accords criticalimportance
Forsupporting facilities etc.
extensive network of cooperative institutions, marketing
an important role in promoting
and
In this strategy, the state is believed to play
economic activities in the rural areas. This would
strengthening the non agricultural
labour on agriculture and at the same time,
result in easing the pressure of surplus
sectors in the long run.
create decent livelihood options in other
the state will develop and maintain
Moreover, the strategy also presumes that
social sectors such as
adequate infrastructure in rural areas and make investments in
education, healthcare etc.

1.19
 Fundamentals of Rural Development Introductionto Rural Develop
4. Strategy based on Unregulated Capitalist Perspective:
he strategy is purely capitalist in perspective. As per the strategy, rich
landowne. ners,
by taking sheer advantage of economies of scale, will be able to rapidly
increa.
agricultural output. ease
In the process, the small cultivation units will not be able to survive as th
production will be uneconomical owing to small land holdings. The state isn. heir
Supposed to intervene in the expansion of the capitalist sector. not
While rich land owners will continue to become larger and reap
economies of
benefits
scale, no ceiling on ownership is to be prescribed.
The benefits of tremendous
expansion and development of large land owners
percolate down to the overall rural economy even to the lowest strata, in termswill
employment and increasing incomes. of
The strategy accords no importance to the critical issues of
inequality and
distributive justice. Apart from providing an
adequate infrastructure, the state and
hae
has
hardly any role here.
5. Uni-modal Strategy:
Uni-modal aims to promote rural
development through the use of thorough goina
reforms in the agricultural sector, with a
special stress on land reforms.
According to uni-modal strategy, land holdings
Consequently, resources meant for the agricultural sector and equitably distributed
distributed
are
rural assets are evenly
distributed.
Japan, Taiwan and Korea have
experienced tremendous
strategy.
success by adopting this
This strategy is believed to achieve the
following objectives:
() Rapid increase in agricultural
production.
i) Equitable distribution of income.
ii) Provide base for overall economic
6. Bi-modal Strategy:
development.
As per this
strategy, a large number of small farms co-exist with a
size holdings. The thrust of the small number of large
the farms with large scale idea is to concentrate modern
techniques and implements to
holdings, in order to achieve agricultural growth.
Thus, the strategy aims for increased
income agricultural production without concern for skewed
distribution and resources. No effort is made to
The strategy suffers from a lot of bring about land reforms.
flaws, as given below:
(i) Inequitable income distribution.

1.20
 Fundamentals of Rural Development Introduction toRural Development
(ii) Skewed distribution of assets and resources
(ii) Developmental concerns are ignored.
(iv) Fails to achieve overall economic development.

Exercise
1. What do you mean by a rural area?
2. Detail the difference between rural areas and urban areas.

3. Explain the concept of rural development.

4. Explain scope of rural development.
5. Detail Inclusive rural development
6. Explain the various approaches to rural development.

7 Write short notes on:

Broad front Approach.
(i) Sectoral Approach.
(i) Participatory Approach.
iv) Target Approach.
(v) Area Development Approach.
(vi) Political sphere of rural development.

(vii) Package approach.

(vii) Basic Needs Approach.

(ix) Unimodal strategy of rural development.

to Rural Development.
Employment Oriented Integrated Approach
(xi) Integrated Development Approach.
(xii) Growth Center Approach.
(xii) Bi-modal strategy of rural development.
(xiv) Community Driven Development (CDD) Approach.
of resources.
(xv) Strategy based on collectivization
perspective.
(vi) Strategy based on regulated capitalist
(xvi) Strategy based on peasant agrarian perspective.
(xvii) Strategy based on unregulated free market capitalist perspective.