Literally and from the social, economic and political perspectives the statement "India lives in its villages" is valid even today. Around 65% of the State's population is living in rural areas. People in rural areas should have the same quality of life as is enjoyed by people living in sub urban and urban areas. Further there are cascading effects of poverty, unemployment, poor and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas on urban centres causing slums and consequential social and economic tensions manifesting in economic deprivation and urban poverty. Hence Rural Development which is concerned with economic growth and social justice, improvement in the living standard of the rural people by providing adequate and quality social services and minimum basic needs becomes essential. The present strategy of rural development mainly focuses on poverty alleviation, better livelihood opportunities, provision of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities through innovative programmes of wage and self-employment.

Content - Preface, 1. Introduction, 2 Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation, 3. Rural Development and Welfare, 4. Role of Nagar Panchayats, 5. Social Security Schemes and Development, 6. Gram Sabha and Zila Parishad, 7. 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 8. Agricultural Development and Strategy, 9. Agricultural Products, 10. Agricultural Marketing, 11. Rural Marketing, 12. Regional Rural Banks, Index