A review of rural development and poverty amelioration programmes in India

Abstract

Rural poverty in India is very much historical but now it has multiplied with the population explosion and unemployment situation. Tlie slogan 'Garibi Hatao ' was very much specific for poverty alleviation programmes. In India, a number of rural development programmes has been implemented in the Five Years Plans to raise income, provide employment, make masses literate and alleviate the poverty of rural poor. This paper critically evaluates different rural development programmes launched by the government during pre-independence and post-independence periods. The trend of poverty in the country is also discussed.