Synopsis The vast stretch of geographical area in rural India assumes greater importance in supporting rural economy and alleviating poverty. For a development functionary it is quite important to have contemporary initiatives being undertaken through out the country so that appropriate measures can be identified and implemented. For a scholar, it is important to browse through structural issues and interventions there of to development comprehensive understanding on rural India. The structural issues in rural India comprises of natural resources management, basic minimum services and institutions that support rural economy. Several of good initiative have been practiced through out the country and many of them can be replicated elsewhere leading to better development in rural areas. The above in context, the present work is authored with a comprehensive collection of works on natural resources management, drought management, initiatives in ensuring basic minimum services and so on. This provides an opportunity to develop good understanding on recent initiatives in rural areas.