Importance of Rural Development
As the topic suggests, rural development in India is the overall progress in the economic and social conditions of Indians residing in rural areas. It is not an objective but a constant process in itself. As a result, this process actively contributes to the economic growth of a rural region and the country as a whole. Conversely, the economic development in an area leads to rural development.
Therefore, the objectives of rural development include providing opportunities for earning a respectable livelihood. Consequently, the rural population will be able to relieve themselves of poverty and economic backwardness. The policy-makers in India attempt to introduce modern education, health standards, and land reforms to offer the rural inhabitants a standard of living.
What is Rural Development in India?
With the passage of several decades since independence, the Indian government has stressed the need for rural development in India.
The task for You: Find out how rural development fuels the overall economic growth of India?
To begin with, rural development stands for the increase in income opportunities for people living in rural areas. According to the Population Census of 2011, the percentage of people residing in rural areas is close to 69% of the Indian population.
It roughly translates to about 83.3 crore Indians who are settled in rural areas. Thus, rural development also includes the measures implemented by government bodies to curb the poverty rate in such areas.
As per another report by the Government of India, the percentage of the Indian population that was situated Below the Poverty Line (BPL) in 2011-2012 amounted to 21.9%. Needless to say, people affected by rural poverty contribute to a large chunk of the percentage. Therefore, the development of rural areas in terms of economy and viability of professional options is much needed. Through this progress, a sizable portion of the Indian population will find themselves out of the BPL group.
The task for You: Are the markers of rural development and urban development the same?
What is Required?
As a result, the rural population requires long-lasting reforms and consistent projects on rural development in India in sectors such as agriculture, education, and health. With necessary steps and measures, it is thus possible to introduce development in rural landmasses that will stand the test of time.
However, before all this, it becomes important to determine which areas fall under rural India. With this focused study, it becomes easier to point out the areas which need development in every aspect of economic and non-economic activities.
What are Rural Areas?
Besides the obvious definition, there is a lot more to know about exactly which areas stand for rural India. By knowing the rural area's meaning, students will be able to distinguish between economic activities occurring in distinct geographical areas.
As per the Planning Commission of India (PCI), rural meaning refers to the geographical area where the maximum population of Indians is 15,000. In addition, it can also be an area where the population density remains 400 people per square kilometer. Therefore, these areas are usually placed within the spectrum of Tier 3 to Tier 6 cities.
As far as governing bodies are concerned, rural areas are equipped with panchayats that act as local decision-making entities. Therefore, a rural area lacks a municipal board. Simply speaking, rural areas include the countryside and villages that we commonly encounter.
Moreover, the importance of rural development lies in the fact that the government aims to increase rural expenditure. Therefore, the objectives of rural progress involve boosting the contribution of rural expenditure to the total national monthly expenditure from the current 55%.
What are the Objectives of Rural Development in India?
With the concept of rural development explained, let’s move on to what rural development aims to achieve. First of all, decision-making entities ensure positive durable changes to boost the economy of a rural area. As a result, dedicated areas will witness a long-lasting growth pattern that is likely to reduce poverty rates.
However, the primary objectives of rural development include the following –
To promote economic growth among the rural population through adequate access to food, shelter, clothing, education, and employment. With proper opportunities proportional to the same in urban areas, individuals residing in rural areas will be able to get a level ground for income options.
To introduce modern techniques for agriculture in rural areas to contribute to an increased productivity rate. As a result, the role of rural development is to establish sustainable and affordable technology to increase production in a national market.
To ensure consistent rural infrastructure development in India. In addition, this process should involve all local rural populations. Consequently, they will gain the agency to make large-scale economic decisions that lead to area-based financial development.
To bridge the gap between local governing bodies and the Central administration for better economic communication. On top of that, rural development aims to provide executive powers to panchayats for carrying on the policies framed by experts.
Finally, the objective of rural development is to use natural resources within a territory to ensure maximum economic benefit for inhabitants. This also includes important land reform measures to boost the agricultural output and productivity of every individual involved.
Now that we know what the concept of rural development in India aims to achieve, let’s progress to the elements that impact rural growth.
What are the Factors that Affect Rural Development in India?
Multiple factors contribute to the urban development of India. However, in-depth knowledge of knowledge and knowledge development will certainly help students understand the ingredients of rural progress.
As a result, they will be able to pinpoint the nature of factors that have a direct impact on rural development.
Therefore, factors affecting the rural development in India are duly stated below –
Infrastructure – The infrastructural condition of a rural area has a direct link with its scale of development. Primarily, infrastructure consists of pucca roads, a consistent supply of electricity, and availability of transport.
With these factors, governing bodies have been able to reduce connectivity issues related to these areas. As a result, there has been an increase in the efficiency of the supply of agricultural output to mainland markets all over India. Therefore the opportunity of income increases among the rural residents.
Education – It is quite obvious that the level of education plays an integral role in the overall progress of rural areas. First of all, education introduces one to new and innovative ideas to improve his/her social condition. Educating the rural population at an early age ensures that there is no discrimination between the urban and rural populations. Therefore, they are open to countless employment opportunities from multiple sectors and industries.
Healthcare – Needless to say, healthcare is an important part of rural development in India. The rural population is often susceptible to diseases that can be avoided with proper healthcare measures. Besides, this contributes directly to their productivity.
As a result, they will be able to participate in healthy competitions in the market. Proper healthcare systems also reduce the mortality rate, thus ensuring a healthy and meaningful life.
Technology – The role of technology in rural development is indisputable. First of all, modern production techniques in various sectors can actively increase their rate of production, which allows for a remarkable rise in the scale of economic activities in rural areas. On the other hand, the technology significantly reduces irrigation and quality issues. Therefore, the presence of appropriate technological means such as pumps, tractors is the make-or-break factor of rural development.
In addition, access to clean drinkable water and sanitation is a must for the development of rural areas. In this way, rural residents will be able to benefit from equal income opportunities and sustainable healthcare services.
How to Ensure the Rural Development of India?
The Government of India has launched multiple projects on rural development in India over the decades. The keys to sustainable rural development in terms of economic situation include the following –
Proper presence of advanced facilities for irrigation to all land types in India. As a result, farmers can boost their agricultural output and create economic opportunities for themselves.
Credit facilities on access to the necessary ingredients of farming such as fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds. Subsidies on electricity used for farming purposes ensure that the rural population saves more than it spends.
Combat with social inequalities and discrimination in rural areas to create a sense of unity. This sense of social unity will lead to the formation of an economic class whose aim is to boost production and ensure rural development.
Make sure that there are adequate training sessions for farmers to equip them with modern agricultural measures. Besides, farmers should also be aware of agricultural policies, land reforms, and market prices for the best use of their resources.
In addition, any improvement in current agricultural markets also makes sure that they can accommodate the economic contribution of the rural population. In these ways, one can ensure a sustainable growth curve and desirable rural development of India.
For an in-depth insight into the factors that determine rural progress in India, go through the study materials available on our website. You can also install the Vedantu app to help you with your classes.
Scope of Rural Development
Since times immemorial India has been continuing to be and will remain in the future land of village communities. That is why Mahatma Gandhi rightly stated that" India lives in villages"If the village Perishes India will too Perish. Most of the people in India live in rural areas and any strategy of social-economic development in India that neglects rural people and rural areas cannot be successful. It is a sine -qua -non of the development of India.
Rural development is a result of interchanges between various physical, technical, economic, social, cultural, and institutional factors. Rural development is continuously designed to improve the economic and social well-being of rural people.
Contents of Rural Development
1.1 Scope of rural development
1.2 Rural demography
1.3 Rural unemployment
1.4 Rural credit and indebtedness
1.5 Rural industrialization
1.6 Rural development programs
1.7. Institution for rural development
1.8 Rural migration
1.9 Rural labor.
Strategy and Approaches to Rural Development
The multipurpose method
The minimum package method
The target group approach
The area development approach
Integrated rural development approach.
In the rural economy of India, there are broadly two sectors namely
Agricultural sector
Nonagricultural sector
Rural development means the development of agriculture and rural nonagricultural sectors. that sector are divided into some sub-sectors as shown in the following table.
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Programs for Fastest-Growing Rural Development
The Indian government has launched extensive programs for rural development areas. Below is the list of the development programs which are carried out by the government for the upliftment of the weaker section,s in rural areas:
Rural works program
Marginal farmers and agricultural laborers Development Agency
Small farmers Development Agency
Integrated dryland Agricultural Development
Agro services centers
Area development schemes
Crash program for employment food for work program
Pilot intensive Rural Employment
Projects minimum needs programs
Common area development
Desert development program
Drought-prone area program
Integrated rural development program
National Rural Employment program
Training rural youth for self-employment rural and less employment guarantee program
Jawahar Rozgar Yojana
Indira Mahila Yojana
Indira Awas Yojana
Rural area council for Advancement of people's action and rural technology
Prime Minister Rozgar Yojana
Modernization of Agricultural Green Revolution
Development of Agriculture High-value
Credit banking cooperative societies
Land Reforms promotion of rural industrialization
Integrated rural energy program
Social development programs
Dryland and rainfed farming
Watershed development program
Horticulture development
Capital development
Dairy development
Operation Flood fisheries and development.
FAQs on Rural Development in India: Challenges and Progress
1. What is meant by rural development in the Indian context?
In the Indian context, rural development refers to a continuous and comprehensive process aimed at improving the social and economic well-being of people living in rural areas. It goes beyond just agricultural growth and focuses on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, alleviating poverty, and enhancing the overall quality of life through better infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
2. Why is rural development considered crucial for India's overall economic growth?
Rural development is crucial for India's economy because a significant portion of the Indian population, nearly 69% as per the 2011 Census, resides in rural areas. The progress of this large population segment directly contributes to the nation's growth by:
- Increasing the national income and per capita income.
- Reducing poverty and inequality.
- Expanding the market for industrial goods and services.
- Ensuring food security for the entire country.
3. What are the key challenges that hinder the progress of rural development in India?
The key challenges hindering rural development in India are multifaceted and include:
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of all-weather roads, reliable electricity, irrigation facilities, and telecommunication connectivity.
- Dependence on Agriculture: Over-reliance on seasonal and often subsistence-level agriculture, leading to disguised unemployment.
- Limited Access to Credit: Difficulty in obtaining affordable credit from formal institutions, leading to dependence on moneylenders and debt traps.
- Human Capital Deficiencies: Poor quality of education and healthcare facilities, which limits skill development and productivity.
- Lack of Non-Farm Employment: Insufficient opportunities for alternative employment outside of agriculture.
4. How do the primary goals of rural development differ from those of urban development?
While both aim for economic progress, their focus differs significantly. Urban development typically concentrates on industrial growth, service sector expansion, housing, and managing population density in cities. In contrast, rural development prioritises foundational issues like:
- Improving agricultural productivity and diversifying crops.
- Creating non-farm employment opportunities to reduce reliance on agriculture.
- Establishing basic infrastructure such as sanitation, clean drinking water, and rural roads.
- Strengthening human resources through primary education and healthcare access.
5. What are the main areas the Indian government focuses on to promote rural development?
The Indian government's strategy for rural development focuses on several key areas of intervention. These include:
- Development of Human Resources: Investing in education, public health, and skill development to improve the capabilities of the rural population.
- Infrastructure Development: Building roads, providing electricity, improving irrigation, and ensuring access to credit and marketing facilities.
- Land Reforms: Implementing policies to ensure equity in land holdings and improve agricultural productivity.
- Poverty Alleviation Programs: Launching specific schemes to provide employment and income to the poorest sections of rural society.
6. How does the development of rural infrastructure, like roads and electricity, directly lead to economic progress?
The development of rural infrastructure creates a chain reaction that fuels economic progress. Better all-weather roads connect villages to towns and markets, allowing farmers to sell their produce at better prices and reducing post-harvest losses. A reliable electricity supply supports irrigation pumps for better crop yields, enables the functioning of small-scale rural industries, and improves the quality of life, for instance, by allowing students to study after sunset.
7. Why is agricultural diversification important for rural development?
Agricultural diversification, which means shifting from single-crop farming to a mix of productive activities, is vital for rural development. It helps reduce the risks associated with dependency on a single crop, which can fail due to weather or market price fluctuations. Diversification into areas like animal husbandry, horticulture, and fisheries provides stable, year-round income streams, increases employment, and promotes sustainable use of resources, thereby raising the overall income and resilience of rural households.
8. What is the significance of rural credit in the process of development?
Access to affordable rural credit is a cornerstone of development. It provides farmers with the necessary working capital to purchase high-quality seeds, fertilisers, and modern equipment, which boosts productivity. Without formal credit, farmers often fall into debt traps with informal moneylenders who charge exorbitant interest rates. Therefore, a robust credit system empowers farmers to invest, take calculated risks, and break the cycle of poverty.
9. Explain the role of the non-farm sector in achieving sustainable rural development.
The non-farm sector plays a critical role in achieving sustainable rural development by reducing the excessive dependence on agriculture. It includes diverse activities like handicrafts, food processing, repair services, and small-scale manufacturing. This sector provides alternative and stable employment, especially during the off-season for agriculture, which helps to absorb surplus labour and reduce disguised unemployment. By generating additional income, it improves the economic security of rural families.
