Detailed Assignment: Rural and
Community Development
Unit I: Indian Village – Nature and Background
1. Rural Community – Meaning and Nature
A rural community is a natural social group living in the countryside, where people are
mostly engaged in agriculture and related activities. These communities are characterized
by simplicity, strong social bonds, joint families, and traditional lifestyles. The nature of
rural communities includes self-dependence, close interaction among members, and a
reliance on natural resources for livelihood.
2. History of Indian Villages
Indian villages have a rich and long history. During the Vedic period, villages were self-
sustained with their own governance and systems. In ancient India, the village was
considered the basic unit of society. The Mauryan and Gupta empires maintained village
administration. British rule introduced the Zamindari and Ryotwari systems, affecting
traditional rural structures. Post-independence, the government focused on village
development through Panchayati Raj and Five-Year Plans.
3. Types of Villages
Villages in India are categorized based on geographical and settlement patterns:
- Nucleated Villages: Homes are built close to each other around a central area.
- Dispersed Villages: Houses are scattered, often found in hilly or forested areas.
- Linear Villages: Built along a road, river, or canal.
- Hamleted Villages: A main village with several small hamlets or extensions surrounding it.
4. Characteristics of Indian Villages
Indian villages have unique features:
- Economy based on agriculture and allied sectors.
- Dominance of caste-based social structure.
- Traditional value system and customs.
- Low levels of literacy, infrastructure, and health care.
- Strong Panchayat system for local self-governance.
Unit II: Rural Development
1. Meaning and Objectives of Rural Development
Rural development is the process of improving the living conditions of people living in rural
areas through planned efforts. It involves increasing access to basic services, infrastructure,
education, employment, and empowerment.
Objectives include:
- Reducing rural poverty
- Providing employment
- Promoting social equality
- Improving standard of living
- Enhancing agricultural and industrial productivity
2. Scope of Rural Development
The scope of rural development is vast. It includes:
- Development of agriculture and allied activities
- Education and health care
- Infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water
- Social and economic empowerment of women
- Development of rural industries
- Skill development and self-employment schemes
3. Rural Development Schemes
Several schemes have been launched to uplift rural India:
- MGNREGA: Provides 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
- PMAY-G: Ensures housing for all by providing financial support for home construction.
- NRLM: Focuses on creating self-help groups and empowering women.
- PMGSY: Aims to connect rural areas through roads.
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Promotes cleanliness and builds toilets in rural areas.
4. Limitations in Rural Development
Despite government efforts, rural development faces challenges:
- Lack of awareness among villagers
- Poor implementation and corruption
- Limited access to education and healthcare
- Inadequate infrastructure
- Dependence on agriculture with no diversification
- Migration to cities for better opportunities
Unit III: Community Development
1. Meaning of Community Development
Community development refers to planned efforts by the government and the community to
improve the social and economic conditions of rural areas. It is a participatory approach
where people identify their needs, plan solutions, and implement projects together with
government assistance.
2. Objectives of Community Development
The objectives include:
- Empowering people to become self-reliant
- Encouraging community participation
- Improving health, education, and employment opportunities
- Building social unity and cooperation
- Enhancing quality of life through local development activities
3. Community Development and Rural Reconstruction
Community development is an essential tool for rural reconstruction. It helps rebuild rural
life by promoting better infrastructure, health, agriculture, and education. It focuses on
human resource development, participation, and sustainable practices.
i) Objectives of Rural Reconstruction
- Increase agricultural production
- Provide education and health services
- Create employment and self-employment opportunities
- Improve sanitation and housing facilities
ii) Demerits of Rural Reconstruction
- Inadequate planning and coordination
- Shortage of financial and human resources
- Lack of awareness and resistance to change
- Limited public participation and political interference
Unit IV: Local Self-Governance
1. Meaning and Characteristics of Local Self-Government
Local self-government means that local people manage their own affairs through elected
representatives. It is a democratic setup where governance is decentralized to the village or
municipal level.
Characteristics:
- Local leadership and administration
- Public participation
- Constitutionally recognized institutions
- Empowerment of Gram Panchayats and municipalities
2. Importance of Local Self-Government
- Provides solutions to local problems quickly
- Empowers communities
- Promotes democratic values
- Reduces burden on central and state governments
- Encourages transparency and accountability
3. Limitations of Local Self-Government
- Limited financial resources
- Lack of trained staff and leadership
- Political influence and corruption
- Inadequate infrastructure and technology
- Low community involvement in decision-making
4. Five-Year Plans & Community Development
The Five-Year Plans of India prioritized rural development from the beginning. The First
Plan launched the Community Development Programme in 1952. Subsequent plans focused
on poverty alleviation, employment generation, rural infrastructure, health, and education.
These plans helped strengthen local self-government and made rural development a
national agenda.
