Introduction to Rural Community
Meaning of Rural Community
A rural community is a group of people living in a countryside area or village who share
common social, cultural, economic, and geographical characteristics. Rural communities are
generally characterized by a close relationship with nature, agriculture-based occupations,
and strong interpersonal relationships.
Definitions
Rural Community: A community located outside urban areas where agriculture and
allied activities are the primary occupations.
According to sociologists, a rural community is a group of people living in a specific
geographical area with common traditions, customs, and social relationships,
mainly dependent on agriculture and natural resources.
Characteristics of Rural Community
1. Small Population
Rural communities usually have a small number of inhabitants compared to urban
areas.
People know one another personally.
2. Agriculture-Based Economy
Farming, animal husbandry, fishing, forestry, and related occupations are the main
sources of livelihood.
3. Close Social Relationships
People maintain face-to-face interactions.
Mutual cooperation and community participation are common.
4. Homogeneous Population
People often share similar language, customs, religion, traditions, and lifestyle.
5. Strong Family System
Joint and extended families are more common.
Family plays a vital role in socialization and economic activities.
6. Traditional Culture
Customs, traditions, rituals, and festivals strongly influence daily life.
Elders and community leaders are respected.
7. Informal Social Control
Social behaviour is regulated through customs, traditions, religion, and public opinion
rather than formal laws.
8. Dependence on Nature
Agriculture depends on rainfall, climate, and natural resources.
Natural disasters significantly affect rural livelihoods.
9. Limited Infrastructure
Rural areas often have fewer educational institutions, hospitals, transportation
facilities, and industries compared to urban areas.
10. Community Participation
People actively participate in village meetings, self-help groups, local governance,
and development programmes.
Patterns of Rural Settlements
A rural settlement pattern refers to the way houses and villages are arranged in a rural area.
The pattern depends on physical features, availability of water, agriculture, transportation,
climate, and socio-cultural factors.
Types of Rural Settlements
1. Farmsteads (Isolated Settlement)
Meaning
A farmstead is an isolated house or a group of buildings surrounded by agricultural land
where a single family lives and cultivates its own land.
Features
Single family residence.
Located within farmland.
Large agricultural land around the house.
Independent farming activities.
Low population density.
Advantages
Better supervision of farmland.
Privacy.
Easy management of crops and livestock.
Disadvantages
Social isolation.
Limited access to schools and hospitals.
Difficult communication and transportation.
Examples
Punjab
Haryana
United States
Canada
2. Hamlets
Meaning
A hamlet is a very small rural settlement consisting of a few households, usually without
major public facilities.
Features
Population generally below 100–500 people.
Small cluster of houses.
Limited infrastructure.
Residents often belong to the same caste or extended family.
Economically dependent on a nearby village.
Advantages
Strong community bonding.
Peaceful environment.
Disadvantages
Poor access to healthcare and education.
Limited employment opportunities.
Examples
Tribal settlements in Kerala.
Small settlements in hilly and forest regions.
3. Line (Linear) Villages
Meaning
A line village is a settlement where houses are arranged in a straight line along a road, river,
canal, railway, or coastline.
Features
Houses built in a row.
Easy transportation and communication.
Better access to roads and water sources.
Elongated settlement pattern.
Advantages
Easy access to markets.
Better transport facilities.
Efficient public service delivery.
Disadvantages
Limited scope for expansion.
Traffic congestion along the main road.
Examples
Coastal villages of Kerala.
Villages along highways and river banks.
4. Round (Circular/Nucleated) Villages
Meaning
A round village is a settlement where houses are arranged around a central feature such as a
pond, temple, mosque, church, market, or village square.
Features
Compact settlement.
Houses closely grouped.
Central common space.
Strong community interaction.
Advantages
Better security.
Efficient use of land.
Easy provision of public services.
Disadvantages
Limited space for future expansion.
Congestion in the centre.
Examples
Villages in Rajasthan.
Traditional settlements in parts of central India.
Rural Development: Meaning, Concept,
Principles, and Approaches
Introduction
Rural development is a planned process of improving the quality of life and economic well-
being of people living in rural areas. It involves increasing agricultural productivity, creating
employment opportunities, improving infrastructure, reducing poverty, and ensuring access to
education, healthcare, housing, sanitation, and social justice. Rural development is a
multidimensional process that promotes sustainable and inclusive growth.
Meaning of Rural Development
Rural development refers to the overall development of rural areas to improve the
economic, social, cultural, political, and environmental conditions of rural people.
It includes:
Poverty alleviation
Employment generation
Agricultural development
Infrastructure development
Education and healthcare
Women's empowerment
Environmental sustainability
Community participation
Definitions
Robert Chambers (1983):
"Rural development is a strategy to enable a specific group of people—the poor rural women
and men—to gain more of what they need and want."
World Bank:
"Rural development is a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of a
specific group of people—the rural poor."
Concept of Rural Development
The concept of rural development has evolved from a narrow focus on agriculture to a
comprehensive approach aimed at improving all aspects of rural life.
Dimensions of Rural Development
1. Economic Development
Increasing agricultural production
Promoting small-scale industries
Employment generation
Income enhancement
2. Social Development
Education
Healthcare
Housing
Sanitation
Social equality
3. Political Development
Decentralization
Panchayati Raj Institutions
Democratic participation
Good governance
4. Environmental Development
Conservation of natural resources
Sustainable agriculture
Water management
Climate resilience
5. Human Development
Skill development
Capacity building
Leadership development
Women's empowerment
Youth development
Objectives of Rural Development
Improve the quality of life of rural people.
Eliminate rural poverty.
Increase employment opportunities.
Enhance agricultural productivity.
Develop rural infrastructure.
Promote social justice and equality.
Ensure environmental sustainability.
Encourage community participation.
Improve access to education and healthcare.
Empower marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Principles of Rural Development
1. People's Participation
Development should involve active participation of local people in planning, implementation,
and evaluation.
2. Equity and Social Justice
Benefits of development should reach all sections of society, especially marginalized groups.
3. Self-Reliance
Communities should be encouraged to utilize local resources and become economically
independent.
4. Sustainability
Development should meet present needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
5. Integrated Development
Economic, social, political, environmental, and cultural development should be addressed
together.
6. Decentralization
Decision-making powers should be transferred to local self-governments such as Gram
Panchayats.
7. Need-Based Planning
Development programmes should be designed according to the actual needs of the local
community.
8. Appropriate Technology
Technology used should be affordable, environmentally friendly, and suitable for local
conditions.
9. Gender Equality
Equal participation and benefits for women and men should be ensured.
10. Transparency and Accountability
Development programmes should be implemented honestly, efficiently, and with public
accountability.
Approaches to Rural Development
1. Community Development Approach
Meaning
Focuses on improving the overall development of rural communities through people's
participation.
Features
Community participation
Self-help
Local leadership
Integrated development
Advantages
Strengthens community ownership
Sustainable development
2. Integrated Rural Development Approach
Meaning
Addresses multiple aspects of rural life simultaneously.
Components
Agriculture
Health
Education
Housing
Employment
Infrastructure
Advantages
Balanced development
Poverty reduction
3. Participatory Rural Development Approach
Meaning
Local people actively participate in identifying problems, planning, implementation, and
evaluation.
Tools
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
Social Mapping
Resource Mapping
Seasonal Calendar
Transect Walk
Advantages
Better community ownership
More effective programmes
4. Sustainable Rural Development Approach
Meaning
Promotes development while protecting natural resources for future generations.
Focus
Organic farming
Renewable energy
Water conservation
Biodiversity conservation
5. Livelihood Approach
Meaning
Improves the capabilities, assets, and activities needed for sustainable livelihoods.
Assets Considered
Human capital
Social capital
Natural capital
Financial capital
Physical capital
6. Rights-Based Approach
Meaning
Views development as a human right and emphasizes access to basic services and legal
entitlements.
Focus Areas
Right to education
Right to health
Right to food
Right to work
Gender equality
7. Bottom-Up Approach
Meaning
Planning begins at the village level based on local needs and priorities.
Features
Local planning
People's participation
Decentralized governance
8. Top-Down Approach
Meaning
Development plans are prepared by government authorities and implemented in rural areas.
Features
Centralized planning
Uniform implementation
Expert-driven decisions
9. Gandhian Approach
Main Ideas
Village self-sufficiency (Gram Swaraj)
Cottage industries
Khadi and village industries
Self-reliance
Moral and ethical development
10. Technology-Driven Approach
Focus
Digital agriculture
Precision farming
E-governance
Mobile-based advisory services
Artificial Intelligence in agriculture
Early Experiments in Rural Community
Development in India
Introduction
Before Independence, several pioneering experiments were undertaken to improve the socio-
economic conditions of rural communities in India. These experiments aimed to address
poverty, illiteracy, poor health, low agricultural productivity, and lack of community
participation. They laid the foundation for rural development programmes after
Independence, especially the Community Development Programme (CDP) of 1952.
1. Sriniketan Experiment (1922)
Founder
Rabindranath Tagore
Year
1922
Place
Sriniketan, Birbhum District, West Bengal
Objectives
Improve the socio-economic conditions of villages.
Promote self-reliance and rural reconstruction.
Improve agriculture and cottage industries.
Encourage education, health, and sanitation.
Develop leadership among villagers.
Major Activities
Agricultural demonstration farms.
Adult education.
Women's education.
Cottage and village industries.
Cooperative societies.
Healthcare and sanitation.
Vocational training.
Features
Community participation.
Self-help and self-reliance.
Integrated rural development.
Use of scientific farming methods.
Achievements
Improved agricultural productivity.
Increased literacy.
Promotion of rural handicrafts.
Better village organization.
Limitations
Limited geographical coverage.
Financial constraints.
Depended heavily on Tagore's leadership.
2. Marthandam Experiment (1921)
Founder
Spencer Hatch
Year
1921
Place
Marthandam (present-day Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu)
Organization
YMCA
Objectives
Improve the living standards of rural people.
Promote self-help.
Increase agricultural production.
Develop leadership and cooperation.
Major Activities
Improved farming practices.
Poultry farming.
Dairy development.
Beekeeping.
Cottage industries.
Adult education.
Women's development.
Cooperative societies.
Features
People's participation.
Integrated approach.
Rural leadership development.
Community cooperation.
Achievements
Increased family income.
Better agricultural practices.
Successful cooperative movement.
Improved health and education.
Limitations
Limited to selected villages.
External financial dependence.
3. Gurgaon Experiment (1920)
Founder
F. L. Brayne
Year
1920
Place
Gurgaon (present-day Gurugram), Haryana
Objectives
Improve village sanitation.
Promote education.
Increase agricultural productivity.
Improve health and hygiene.
Major Activities
Agricultural extension.
Village sanitation.
Literacy programmes.
Women's education.
Rural leadership.
Features
Government-led programme.
Administrative supervision.
Rural education.
Agricultural improvement.
Achievements
Improved sanitation.
Better farming methods.
Increased awareness among villagers.
Limitations
Limited community participation.
Over-dependence on government officials.
Sustainability issues.
Pilot Projects in Rural Development
4. Etawah Project (1948)
Founder
Albert Mayer with assistance from Horace Holmes
Year
1948
Place
Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh
Objectives
Increase agricultural production.
Improve rural health.
Promote education.
Develop village infrastructure.
Encourage community participation.
Major Activities
Improved seeds.
Irrigation development.
Health services.
Schools.
Roads.
Cooperative societies.
Features
Multi-purpose development.
People's participation.
Scientific agriculture.
Integrated planning.
Achievements
Significant increase in agricultural production.
Model for Community Development Programme (1952).
Limitations
Resource-intensive.
Difficult to replicate in all regions.
5. Nilokheri Experiment (1948)
Founder
S. K. Dey
Year
1948
Place
Nilokheri, Haryana
Motto
"Work, Production and Self-Reliance."
Objectives
Rehabilitate displaced persons after Partition.
Promote self-sufficient rural communities.
Generate employment.
Provide technical training.
Major Activities
Vocational education.
Small-scale industries.
Agriculture.
Housing.
Cooperative movement.
Community living.
Features
Self-supporting township.
Skill development.
Integrated rehabilitation.
Employment generation.
Achievements
Successful rehabilitation model.
Promotion of self-reliance.
Limitations
Mainly designed for displaced persons.
Required considerable financial investment.
6. Firka Development Scheme (1946)
Founder
Government of Madras Presidency
Year
1946
Place
Madras Presidency (present-day Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh)
Objectives
Achieve village self-sufficiency.
Improve agriculture.
Promote sanitation and health.
Improve drinking water supply.
Develop village roads.
Major Activities
Irrigation.
Roads.
Cooperative societies.
Rural sanitation.
Adult education.
Agricultural extension.
Features
Area development approach.
Government support.
People's participation.
Achievements
Improved village infrastructure.
Increased agricultural productivity.
Limitations
Limited financial resources.
Administrative challenges.
Rural Community Development Projects
after Independence
Community Development Programme (CDP), 1952
Launch Date
2 October 1952
Objectives
Comprehensive rural development.
Agricultural development.
Employment generation.
Health and sanitation.
Education.
Community participation.
Major Components
Agriculture.
Animal husbandry.
Irrigation.
Rural roads.
Housing.
Education.
Health.
Women's welfare.
Achievements
Strengthened rural infrastructure.
Increased agricultural production.
Improved local participation.
Limitations
Bureaucratic approach.
Inadequate people's participation.
Uneven implementation.
National Extension Service (NES), 1953
Objectives
Extend Community Development Programmes to more villages.
Provide agricultural extension services.
Promote local leadership.
Achievements
Wider rural coverage.
Better agricultural dissemination.
Panchayati Raj System (1959)
Objectives
Democratic decentralization.
Local self-government.
People's participation.
Three-Tier Structure
Gram Panchayat
Panchayat Samiti
Zila Parishad
Intensive Agricultural District Programme (IADP), 1960
Objectives
Increase food grain production.
Introduce modern agricultural technology.
Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), 1978–
1980
Objectives
Poverty alleviation.
Employment generation.
Asset creation for poor families.
Comparison of Early Rural Development Experiments
Experiment Founder Year Main Objective
Sriniketan Rabindranath 1922 Rural reconstruction and self-
Experiment Founder Year Main Objective
Tagore reliance
Marthandam Spencer Hatch 1921 Integrated rural development
Rural uplift through
Gurgaon F. L. Brayne 1920
administration
Pilot integrated rural
Etawah Project Albert Mayer 1948
development
Rehabilitation and self-
Nilokheri S. K. Dey 1948
sufficiency
Madras
Firka Scheme 1946 Village self-sufficiency
Government
Community Development Government of Comprehensive rural
1952
Programme India development
Rural Problems: Rural Poverty,
Unemployment, Housing, Food Security,
Changes in Social Institutions, and
Problems of Tribal Communities
Introduction
Rural India is home to nearly two-thirds of the country's population and plays a vital role in
agriculture, food production, and the economy. Despite significant progress in rural
development, many villages continue to face challenges such as poverty, unemployment,
inadequate housing, food insecurity, weakening social institutions, and the marginalization of
tribal communities. Addressing these issues is essential for achieving sustainable and
inclusive rural development.
1. Rural Poverty
Meaning
Rural poverty refers to the condition in which people living in rural areas lack sufficient
income and resources to meet their basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, healthcare,
and education.
Causes of Rural Poverty
Dependence on agriculture with low productivity.
Small and fragmented landholdings.
Seasonal unemployment.
Lack of irrigation facilities.
Indebtedness to moneylenders.
Poor infrastructure.
Low literacy and skill levels.
Natural disasters such as floods and droughts.
Social discrimination based on caste and gender.
Effects
Malnutrition and poor health.
Child labour.
School dropout.
Migration to urban areas.
Poor living conditions.
Social exclusion.
Measures to Reduce Rural Poverty
Employment generation programmes (e.g., MGNREGA).
Promotion of self-help groups (SHGs).
Skill development and vocational training.
Access to affordable credit.
Agricultural modernization.
Social security schemes.
2. Rural Unemployment
Meaning
Rural unemployment refers to the inability of people in rural areas who are willing and able
to work to find suitable employment.
Types of Rural Unemployment
a) Seasonal Unemployment
Occurs during the off-season when agricultural work is unavailable.
b) Disguised Unemployment
More people work on a farm than are actually needed, resulting in very low productivity.
c) Open Unemployment
People are willing to work but cannot find any employment.
d) Underemployment
People work fewer hours than they are willing or in jobs below their skill level.
Causes
Heavy dependence on agriculture.
Mechanization reducing labour demand.
Lack of rural industries.
Population growth.
Limited vocational skills.
Poor infrastructure.
Consequences
Poverty.
Migration.
Social unrest.
Low standard of living.
Increased indebtedness.
Solutions
Rural industrialization.
Promotion of entrepreneurship.
Skill development.
Diversification into allied activities such as dairy, poultry, and fisheries.
Expansion of employment guarantee schemes.
3. Housing Problems in Rural Areas
Meaning
Housing problems refer to inadequate, unsafe, or unhealthy living conditions in rural
communities.
Major Housing Problems
Kutcha or semi-permanent houses.
Overcrowding.
Poor sanitation.
Lack of drinking water.
Poor drainage.
Inadequate electricity.
Vulnerability to floods and cyclones.
Lack of toilets.
Causes
Poverty.
Lack of housing finance.
Limited government support.
Natural disasters.
Poor construction materials.
Government Initiatives
Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G).
Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
Jal Jeevan Mission.
Rural electrification programmes.
4. Food Security
Meaning
Food security exists when all people have physical, social, and economic access to
sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times.
Dimensions of Food Security
1. Availability of food.
2. Accessibility.
3. Affordability.
4. Nutritional adequacy.
5. Stability over time.
Causes of Food Insecurity
Poverty.
Crop failure.
Climate change.
Low agricultural productivity.
Poor storage facilities.
Rising food prices.
Unequal distribution.
Consequences
Malnutrition.
Stunting and wasting in children.
Poor maternal health.
Reduced productivity.
Increased disease.
Measures
Public Distribution System (PDS).
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN).
National Food Security Act (2013).
Sustainable agriculture.
Improved irrigation and storage.
5. Changes in Rural Social Institutions
Meaning
Social institutions such as the family, marriage, religion, education, economy, and local
governance are undergoing significant transformation due to modernization, education,
urbanization, technology, and globalization.
A. Family
Traditional Features
Joint family system.
Agriculture-based occupation.
Patriarchal authority.
Changes
Shift toward nuclear families.
Increased women's education and employment.
Smaller family size.
Greater individual decision-making.
B. Marriage
Traditional Pattern
Arranged marriages.
Early marriage.
Strong caste endogamy.
Changes
Higher age at marriage.
Increased acceptance of inter-caste marriages in some regions.
Greater role of individual choice.
Improved legal awareness.
C. Education
Changes
Higher literacy rates.
Expansion of schools and colleges.
Digital learning opportunities.
Greater enrolment of girls.
D. Religion
Changes
Greater religious diversity and interaction.
Increased influence of media.
Continued importance of religious festivals and community life.
E. Economy
Changes
Diversification beyond agriculture.
Growth of rural entrepreneurship.
Increased migration for employment.
Expansion of digital banking and e-commerce.
F. Panchayati Raj Institutions
Changes
Democratic decentralization.
Increased participation of women and Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.
Greater community involvement in local governance.
6. Problems of Tribal Communities
Meaning
Tribal communities (Scheduled Tribes) are indigenous groups with distinct cultures,
languages, and traditions. Many continue to experience social, economic, educational, and
political disadvantages.
Major Problems
A. Poverty
Low income.
Limited livelihood opportunities.
Dependence on forests.
B. Land Alienation
Loss of traditional lands.
Displacement due to development projects.
Illegal land transfers.
C. Education
Low literacy.
School dropouts.
Language barriers.
Inadequate educational facilities.
D. Health Problems
Malnutrition.
Limited healthcare access.
High maternal and infant mortality.
Communicable diseases.
E. Unemployment
Lack of industries.
Limited skills.
Seasonal employment.
F. Exploitation
Exploitation by moneylenders and middlemen.
Human trafficking in some areas.
Wage exploitation.
G. Cultural Erosion
Loss of traditional customs and languages.
Decline of indigenous knowledge.
H. Displacement
Mining.
Dams.
Industrial projects.
Wildlife conservation projects.
I. Poor Infrastructure
Inadequate roads.
Lack of electricity.
Limited drinking water.
Poor communication facilities.
Government Measures for Tribal
Development
Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes.
Fifth and Sixth Schedule provisions.
Forest Rights Act, 2006.
Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
Scholarships for tribal students.
National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC).
Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs).