Synopsis The poverty in the rural area of the country as well as the state of Orissa is a major problem today. Its eradication needs the development of the economy which spreads over a long period for achieving the objectives of full employment, growth and self-reliance. The economic development can be achieved by generating the rural employment programmes. The present work is the outcome of research findings of many learned economists, researchers, and senior faculty members from various corners of the country as well as the state of Orissa who have studied the nature of our economy in various sectors, the opportunities that the country men and administrators come across and challenges they encounter while implementing various employment generating programmes during plan periods collecting data both from primary and secondary sources. It is certain that the valuable contributions, views and suggestions of the researchers will be of immense help to the future researchers, policy-makers, administrators and social thinkers in solving the problem of poverty, unemployment and to achieve economic development of the country as well as the state, especially in rural sector, renewing the existing employment generating programmes.