RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMS: A TOOL FOR ALLEVIATION OF RURAL POVERTY

This paper examines the progress of Indias rural development programmes and reviews the countrys rural development programmes. Over the years, Indias rural development has undergone several changes in terms of emphasis, approaches, strategies, and programmes. As a result, it has acquired a new dimension and provided new opportunities. Indias rural economy is a vital component of the countrys overall economy. Poverty eradication remains a significant obstacle to planned economic development. Its difficult to make broad policy recommendations because different states experiences with economic growth and poverty reduction have been so varied. Rural development programmes (RDP) have significant implications for India in terms of poverty alleviation.