About the Book :

This book on Rural Development in India, comprising 48 chapters presented in 11 thematic parts, is a blend of theoretical and practical aspects on rural development. The authors provide an inter-disciplinary perspective to, and conceptual clarity on, various aspects of rural development. They make an attempt to provide a critical analysis of the processes followed, progress made and the impact of important rural development programmes launched in India. The authors also discuss the lessons drawn from different development approaches and strategies followed in the country. Thus, several dimensions of rural development are put together in this book by carefully blending the theory and practice, so that the students as well as the practitioners of rural development obtain a holistic perspective on the concepts, strategies/programmes implemented, processes followed and methods of managing rural development initiatives. It is hoped that the book will be a useful compendium to students at the graduate and post-graduate level, the practitioners and those interested in rural development.

About Author :

G. Sreedhar is Professor of Rural Development and Coordinator, UGC Special Assistance Programme, at the Department of Rural Development and Social Work, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh. He has over 35 years of experience in Rural Development in the capacity of a teacher, researcher and consultant. Besides offering courses for post-graduate students in Rural Development and Social Work and guiding doctoral students, he has conducted funded research for governmental and non-governmental agencies in different parts of the country. He has published 2 books and 25 papers in various journals and edited volumes. His areas of interest include natural resource management, irrigation, rural poverty reduction, micro-finance, self-help promotion, women empowerment and social security.

D. Rajasekhar is an Associate Professor (Economics) in Decentralisation and Development Unit of the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore. He is currently directing a World Bank supported research project on "Roles of Rural Local Organisations in Developments Projects", and a Karnataka Government supported project on Panchayat Finances in Karnataka. His research interests include local organisations, micro finance and linkages among the development actors. He has two books to his credit, namely, Rejuvenating Tanks: A Socio Ecological Approach, and Decentralised Government and NGOs: Issues, Strategies and Ways Forward.