Synopsis The government of India have formulated many programmes for rural development after independence particularly from 1947. The mass poverty in rural areas is the unique characteristic feature of Indian economy. Since sixty-eight percent of the one hundred and two crores of the present population live in rural areas. Rural Development not only means development of the poor but also improving the rural environment enriching the cultural heritage, motivating them to work for continued growth and development. It means development of rural people and rural areas. This book evaluates the working of rural development programmes at the national level. Different studies conducted at the national and regional levels have also been reviewed. This book will prove informative and policy makers in the Government and the academics as well as research students in general.