RURAL UPLIFT PROGRAMME IN INDIA

In free India, rural uplift programmes were initiated in the year 1952 under community development programme.  These were aimed at changing the face of the countryside, and building a new outlook among the village folk.  Under the Five Year Plans, a high priority is being given to these programmes.  Much is yet left to be done as most of the people live in villages

The goals of the community development programme are quite ambitious.  With the advent of scientific methods of agriculture, increased production of wheat, rice, barley, cotton and other crops has been achieved and efforts go unabated in this direction.  Cottage industries are the backbone of village wage-carners.  Substantial increase in the production of cottage goods based on agro, marine and natural products or bio-products has generated employment in the rural sector.  Co-operative credit societies have sprung up to cope with the increasing demand of capital by small farmers and workers engaged in cottage industries.  Increase in agricultural production , rural industrialization and a change in the outlook of the rural people are thus the outstanding features of the village uplift programmes.

 During the Five Year Plans, the community development programme has shown excellent results.  Village link roads, rural water supply and sanitation, electrification and mass education are the areas where much work has already been done.  Minor irrigation schemes are coming up and the village industries are booming.  Primary health centres and veterinary health care units are roaring with improved life and livestock. 

Rural employment, health, education, sanitation, storage of wheat rice and increase in agriculture and industrial production are the areas which still demand attention. Let us hope that Indian villages regain their old glory, health and prosperity.

NIDHI SALWAN