question_answer 1)

What do you mean by rural development? Bring out the key issues in rural development.

Answer:

Rural development focuses on action for (lie development of areas in the village economy that are lagging behind in its overall development. Rural development plays a key role in overall economic development of the nation as majority ci1. Indian population still resides in rural areas. The key issues involved in rural development include (i) Human Resource Development Providing education and health care facilities for proper development of human resources is a key focus area of rural development initiatives. This will help improve the productivity of rural population and lead to a rise in rural incomes. (ii) Land Reforms Land reforms like abolition of Intermediaries, imposition of land ceiling and consolidation of land holdings is another tissue in rural development to improve the condition of small and marginal farmers. (iii) Development of Productive Resources Income generating resources have to be developed in each locality of rural areas so as to enable the rural poor to earn more through soli employment units or through increased agricultural productivity. (iv) Development of Infrastructure Economic infrastructure facilities like electricity, irrigation, transport, construction of village roads, etc must be provided in order to ensure efficient utilisation of resources and produce more output. (v) Poverty Alleviation Special measures for poverty alleviation need to be taken for rural areas lo bring about improvement in living conditions of the weaker sections and provide them access to productive employment opportunities. (vi) Rural Housing and Basic Amenities Provision of affordable housing for economically weaker section of population and ensuring basic amenities like safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is also a key Issue in rural development in India.