Synopsis Rural development in India has witnessed several changes over the years in its emphasis, approaches, strategies and programmes. It has assumed a new dimension and perspectives as a consequence. The present book is an attempt to document the approaches and strategies adopted by the government, banks and voluntary organisations in the field of rural development, the various issues in the field of rural development, the recent trends and the programmes implemented under the restructured departments of Ministry of Rural Development. Rural development can be richer and more meaningful only through the participation of clienteles of development. Just as implementation is the touchstone for planning, people's participation is the centre-piece in rural development. People's participation is one of the foremost pre-requisites of development process both from procedural and philosophical perspectives. For the development planners and administrators it is important to solicit the participation of different group of rural people, to make the plans participatory. Hence the book highlights the role of peoples participation through PRA Techniques and Self Help Groups.