Rural Development Project Saksham
Rural Development Project Saksham
Rural Development Project Saksham
Class: 12
Subject: Economics
completion of this project. Their guidance and resources have been invaluable in helping me
understand the importance of rural development in India. I would also like to thank various books,
articles, and online resources that helped me gather the necessary data for this project.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................... Page 4-5
Rural development refers to the process of improving the standard of living and quality of life of
people living in rural areas. It includes a wide range of activities such as improving agricultural
practices, building infrastructure, providing access to education and healthcare, and creating
sustainable living.
India's population is predominantly rural, with about 66% of the population living in villages. Rural
development is essential to ensure balanced and inclusive growth. By improving living standards in
rural areas, India can reduce urban migration, alleviate poverty, and create a more equitable society.
It helps ensure that rural areas become self-sufficient, with opportunities for work, better access to
The purpose of this project is to explore the significance of rural development in India, the
challenges faced by rural communities, and the government and private sector initiatives aimed at
addressing these challenges. The project will cover historical development, current status, key
organizations (NGOs).
Historical Background of Rural Development in India
Under British rule, rural India was primarily agrarian. The exploitation of farmers and the lack of
proper infrastructure kept rural areas underdeveloped. The agricultural system was based on
traditional methods, and the rural economy was often subjected to famines and social inequalities.
Post-Independence Initiatives
After independence, several efforts were made to uplift rural areas. The government implemented
community development programs, such as the Community Development Program (1952), and the
Green Revolution (1960s) which transformed agriculture with high-yielding varieties of crops and
new technologies. The Integrated Rural Development Program (IRDP) and National Rural
Employment Program (NREP) focused on creating job opportunities and reducing poverty in rural
areas.
Current Status of Rural Development in India
Rural Economy
The rural economy of India is largely based on agriculture, which employs more than half of the
Indian workforce. However, agriculture is often plagued by issues such as low productivity,
dependency on monsoons, and small landholdings. The rural economy also faces challenges such
Rural Infrastructure
Infrastructure in rural areas remains underdeveloped. Many villages lack access to basic amenities
such as clean drinking water, sanitation, electricity, and proper roads. The Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is one of the government programs aimed at improving rural roads, but
challenges remain.
Rural education continues to face disparities with urban areas. Though literacy rates have increased
over time, rural areas still lag in terms of schools, teachers, and educational resources. Healthcare
is another critical area. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) aims to improve healthcare
access, but rural areas still suffer from a lack of healthcare professionals and facilities.