Sociology · Sociology of Indian Society
Chapter 14 : RURAL LIFE IN INDIA PART II : RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL CHANGE
Table of contents14 sections
- 1.RURAL LIFE IN INDIA PART II : RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL CHANGE
- 2.A. Rural Development : Meaning and Essential Aspects of Rural Development
- 3.Main Components of Rural Development
- 4.Essential Aspects of Rural Development
- 5.Important Rural Development Programmes
- 6.Community Development Programme [CDP - 1952]
- 7.The Establishment of Panchayat Raj System
- 8.Poverty Alleviation Programmes [PAPs]
- 9.Other Important Rural Development Programmes
- 10.IMPACT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES
- 11.B. RURAL CHANGE IN INDIA
- 12.Major Trends in Rural Social Changes
- 13.Conclusion
- 14.Quick-Recall Box
Chapter preview
RURAL LIFE IN INDIA PART II : RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND RURAL CHANGE
Villages constitute the backbone of India, contributing 40% of the national income. Historically self-sufficient, they became victims of innumerable problems such as illiteracy, casteism, untouchability, conservatism, economic backwardness, alcoholism, and superstition. During the British period, villages lost their autonomy and self-reliance, and their cottage/home industries were destroyed. Post-independence, leaders like Gandhiji, Vinobha Bhave, Jaya Prakash Narayana, Vallabha Bhai Patel, Ravindranath Tagore and others warned that neglecting villages would ruin India's future, making rural development a priority issue. The developmental programmes which the country has been implementing for the past 50-55 years represent a concerted attempt to give a proper direction to the change.
A. Rural Development : Meaning and Essential Aspects of Rural Development
Meaning: Rural development is a comprehensive socio-economic process undertaken by the government to improve the economic and social conditions of people living in rural areas, including agriculture. It represents planned programmes to change and improve the quality of the life-style of rural people.
Main Components of Rural Development
Rural development includes three major elements:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Sectoral Improvement | Development of all sectors of the rural economy (primary, secondary, and tertiary). |
| Social Improvement | Provision of drinking water, education, vocational training, and medical facilities. |
| Weaker Sections | Improvement of the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, landless agricultural labourers, and marginal/small farmers. |
Essential Aspects of Rural Development
Programmes must satisfy five conditions:
- Agricultural Development: The highest priority. Ensured through mechanisation, consolidation of land holdings, effective land reforms, good varieties of seeds, adequate fertilisers, pesticides, adequate water supply, proper crop planning, and proper harvesting.
- Socio-Economic Structural Change: Changes in socio-economic institutions to ensure maximisation and equitable distribution of income.
- Political Independence: Freedom from political interference by parties and leaders; personnel must have freedom to execute plans.
- Co-operative Orientation: Setting up co-operative societies for production in cottage industries, marketing, finance/credit, and supply of consumer goods to uplift poorer sections.
- Active Public Participation: Programmes must be based on the "felt-needs" of the people, never forcibly imposed. Honest and respected local leaders must motivate and guide the masses.
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