VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:

Administration & Planning

ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

UNIT-2 Rural Development & Programmes

Sriniketan experiment, Gurgaon experiment, Marthandam experiment,

Baroda experiment, Firkha development scheme, Etawa Pilor project,
Nilokheri experiment. Approaches to rural community development: Tagore,
Gandhi etc

OUTCOMES: -
Here, the students will understand the definition, concepts and components of
rural development and about the programmes that government has started in
different sectors.

I. SRINIKETAN EXPERIMENTS:-

 The Sriniketan experiment was a socio-economic

experiment conducted by Rabindranath Tagore.
 He is a prominent Indian poet, philosopher, and Nobel
laureate/famed, in Sriniketan, a rural area near the town
of Santiniketan in West Bengal, India.
 The experiment was conducted in the early 1920s in
Sriniketan, a rural area near the town of Santiniketan in
West Bengal, India, which was the home of Tagore's Visva Bharati University.
 The experiment was designed to address the social and economic problems
facing rural India at the time, such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to
basic services.
 Tagore believed that the solution to these problems lay in empowering rural
communities and promoting self-help and cooperation among them.
 The Sriniketan experiment had several components, including a school, an
institute of rural reconstruction, and a cooperative society.
 The school, called the Sriniketan Ashram Vidyalaya which provide education
to rural children, focusing on practical skills such as agriculture, animal
husbandry, and handicrafts.
 The school also encouraged cultural activities and community organization,
emphasizing the importance of holistic development.
 The institute of rural reconstruction, known as the Sriniketan Rural
Reconstruction Institute, aimed to develop appropriate technologies and
techniques for rural development.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

 It focused on the use of local resources and materials, such as clay, straw,
and bamboo, to create affordable and sustainable housing, as well as on
promoting small-scale industries and agricultural practices.
 The cooperative society, called the Sriniketan Cooperative Society, was
established to provide economic support to the local community.
 It encouraged the pooling of resources, including land and labor, and
facilitated the creation of small-scale industries and cottage enterprises.
 The Sriniketan experiment was a groundbreaking initiative in its time, and it
had a significant impact on the rural development movement in India.
 It emphasized the importance of self-help and community participation in
development, and it highlighted the potential for rural populations to
become self-sufficient and self-reliant.
 The experiment also influenced Tagore's broader philosophy of education
and development, which emphasized the importance of the holistic
development of the individual and the community.

II. GURGAON EXPERIMENT:-

 The Gurgaon Experiment was a socio-economic initiative that aimed to

transform Gurgaon, a suburb/residential area of Delhi, India, into a world-
class city with state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-quality services, and a
dynamic economy.
 The experiment was launched in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it
involved significant investments in real estate, industry, and services.
 The primary focus of the Gurgaon Experiment was on the development of the
real estate sector.
 Large tracts of land were acquired by private developers, who were allowed
to build high-rise buildings, luxury apartments, and shopping malls.
 The real estate boom in Gurgaon attracted a large number of multinational
corporations, who established their offices and call centers in the city.
 This led to the emergence of Gurgaon as a hub of the IT and outsourcing
industries.
 The Gurgaon Experiment also aimed to improve the city's infrastructure,
including roads, transportation, and power supply.
 The government invested heavily in creating a modern and efficient
transportation system, including the construction of an expressway to Delhi
and a metro rail system.
 The city's power supply was also upgraded, with the establishment of a
modern power grid and the construction of new power plants.
 The Gurgaon Experiment had a significant impact on the city's economy, and
it transformed Gurgaon into a modern and vibrant metropolis.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
 The city emerged as a hub of the IT and outsourcing industries, and it
attracted a large number of domestic and international investors.
 The experiment also created jobs and opportunities for the local population,
and it helped to improve their standard of living.
 However, the Gurgaon Experiment also had some negative consequences.
 The rapid pace of development led to environmental degradation, with the
depletion of groundwater and the loss of green spaces.
 The real estate boom also led to a rise in property prices, which made
housing unaffordable for many people.
 The experiment also created significant social inequalities, with large sections
of the population excluded from the benefits of development.
 Overall, the Gurgaon Experiment is seen as a mixed success, with both
positive and negative outcomes.
 It continues to be a subject of debate and discussion among policymakers,
academics, and development practitioners.
 While it demonstrated the potential of private enterprise to drive economic
growth, it also highlighted the need for sustainable and inclusive
development that takes into account the interests of all stakeholders,
including the environment and the local community.

III. BARODA EXPERIMENT:-

 The Baroda Experiment was a comprehensive and ambitious program of rural
development and education that aimed to transform the lives of the rural
population in the state of Baroda (now part of the Indian state of Gujarat).
 It was initiated by the visionary Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad III,
who ruled from 1875 to 1939.
 The experiment was carried out in the early 20th century, from around 1908
to the 1920s.
 At the heart of the Baroda Experiment was the belief that education was the
key to social and economic development.
 The Maharaja and his team of educators and social workers believed that
education should be accessible to all, regardless of caste, gender, or
economic status.
 They also believed that education should not just focus on academic
knowledge, but also on practical skills and vocational training that could help
improve the livelihoods of rural communities.
 To this end, the Maharaja and his team set up a network of schools, known as
the "gaikwadi schools," that provided free education to children from all
castes and communities.
 These schools were run on a secular and non-discriminatory basis, with no
religious instruction or preference given to any particular community.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
 The schools also emphasized vocational training and practical skills, such as
agriculture, handicrafts, and other trades that were relevant to the rural
economy.
 Despite the challenges faced by the Baroda Experiment, its legacy has
continued to inspire educational reformers around the world.
 The experiment emphasized the importance of individualized, student-
centered learning and the need for a holistic approach to education that
encompasses intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development.

IV. FIRKHA DEVELOPMENT:-

 This project was government sponsored and aided at the attainment of the
Gandhian ideal of Gram Swaraj by bringing about not only educational,
economic, sanitary and other improvements in villages, but also by making
the people self-confident.
 The scheme was launched in 1946 in 34 Firkas (group of 5 villages)
throughout the state, and on April 1, 1950, it was extended to another 50
additional Firkas at the rate of two Firkas for each state.
 The selection of the Firkas was based on general backwardness of area and
the possibilities for initiating the production of handloom cloth and other
cottage industries to give a encouragement to Rural Reconstruction.
 This scheme was aimed at attacking the problem of rural people as well as
short term plans for the development of rural communication, water supply,
formation of panchayats, organization of co-operatives and sanitation
programme.
 In long term plans, to make the area self-sufficient through agricultural,
irrigational and livestock improvements and the development of Khadi and
other Cottage Industries.
 This scheme emphasized providing housing, education, water supply,
developments or roads, improvements of sanitation, etc.

 Selection of Firkas-

a. On the basis of their backwardness.

b. Possibilities for increasing the production of handloom clothes and
other cottage industries.

 Objectives

a. To tackle the rural problem as a whole.

b. Preparation of short term plans for the development of rural
communication, water supply.
c. Formation of panchayats and organization of cooperatives.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

d. The long term plan to make the area self-sufficient through

agricultural, irrigational and livestock improvements.
e. Development of Khadi and Cottage Industries.

V. ETAWAH PILOT PROJECT:-

 The idea of this pilot project was conceived in 1945 but was put into action in
September, 1948 at Mahewa Village about 11 miles away from Etawah
 Initially 64 villages were selected which then increased to 97, were covered
under this project. Lt.col. Albert Mayer of USA, who came to India with the
American forces in 1944, was the originator of this project for his scheme,
assistance was given by USA and UP Government.
 The Government of UP and Point-4 programme of U.S.A. provided help for this
project.

 Objectives of etawah pilot project-

1. To see the extent of improvement possible in an average district.

2. To see how quickly results could be achieved.
3. To ascertain the permanency and applicability of results to other areas.
4. To find out methods of gaining and growing confidence of the villagers.
5. To build up a sense of community living.
6. To build up a spirit of self help in the villagers.

VI. NILKHORI EXPERIMENT:-

 The Nilokheri Project was a famous agricultural experiment conducted in

Nilokheri, a town in the state of Haryana in India.
 The project was initiated in 1947 by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who was then the
country's Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources.
 The goal of the project was to demonstrate the potential of science and
technology in improving agricultural productivity in India.
 The scheme called "Mazdoor Manzil" aimed at self-sufficiency forthe rural-
cum-urban township in all the essential requirements of like.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

 The colony had school, an agricultural farm, polytechnic training centre,

dairy, poultry farm, piggery farm, horticulture garden, printing press,
garment factory, engineering workshop, soap factory, etc.
 Under this programme, the main activities were a Vocational Training Centre
run on co-operative lines and the Colony had its own dairy, poultry, piggery,
printing press, engineering workshops, tannery and bone-meal factory.
 People were given vocational training of their choice to run these Co-
operative Enterprises. Rights for education and medical care for the sick were
also guaranteed.

APPROACHES TO RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:-

A. THE TAGORE APPROACH:-

 Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate,
was a strong advocate of rural development in India.
 He believed that rural communities were the backbone of the country's
economy and that their development was crucial for the overall growth of
the nation.
 Tagore's approach to rural community development can be summarized as
follows:-

a. Education:

 Tagore believed that education was the key to rural

development.
 He advocated for the establishment of schools and colleges in
rural areas to provide quality education to the children of
farmers and laborers.
 Tagore's concept of education was not limited to textbooks and
exams but focused on the overall development of the individual's
personality.

b. Agriculture:

 Tagore emphasized the importance of agriculture as the

mainstay of the rural economy.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
 He believed that farmers should be empowered with modern
agricultural techniques and tools to improve their productivity
and income.
 He also advocated for the establishment of agricultural
cooperatives to help farmers market their produce and earn a
fair price for their labor.

c. Self-reliance:

 Tagore stressed the importance of self-reliance in rural

communities.
 He believed that rural communities should be self-sufficient in
terms of food, water, and energy.
 He advocated for the use of renewable energy sources such as
solar and wind power to meet the energy needs of rural
communities.

d. Cottage industries:

 Tagore believed that the development of cottage industries in

rural areas could provide employment opportunities and improve
the standard of living of rural communities.
 He encouraged the establishment of small-scale industries such as
handicrafts, weaving, and pottery, which could be run by rural
women and provide them with a source of income.

e. Environmental conservation:

 Tagore was a strong advocate of environmental conservation.

 He believed that the rural economy was closely linked to the
environment and that any damage to the environment would
have a negative impact on the rural economy.
 He encouraged the adoption of sustainable practices such as
organic farming and the conservation of forests and wildlife.

 In summary, Tagore's approach to rural community development focused on

education, agriculture, self-reliance, cottage industries, and environmental

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
conservation. His ideas were ahead of his time and continue to be relevant in the
present day.

The Gandhian Approach to Rural Development:-

 Mahatma Gandhi, a political and spiritual leader in India, believed that rural
development was critical to the country's overall growth and development.
 His approach to rural community development was centered around the following
principles:-

i. Swadeshi:

Gandhi's philosophy of "swadeshi" or self-reliance was central to his

approach to rural development.
He believed that rural communities should be self-sufficient in terms
of food, clothing, and shelter, and that they should produce goods
locally rather than relying on imported goods.

ii. Agriculture:

Gandhi believed that agriculture was the backbone of the rural

economy and that farmers should be empowered with modern
agricultural techniques to improve their productivity and income.
He advocated for the use of organic farming methods that were
environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.

iii. Khadi:

Gandhi encouraged the use of khadi, a type of hand-spun and

handwoven cotton cloth, as a means of promoting self-sufficiency in
rural communities.
He believed that the production and use of khadi would provide
employment opportunities for rural artisans and weavers, and help to
revive traditional Indian handicrafts.

iv. Education:

Gandhi believed that education was critical to rural development and

advocated for the establishment of schools and colleges in rural areas.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
He believed that education should be holistic and focus on character
building, moral values, and practical skills.

v. Village economy:
Gandhi believed that the village should be the center of economic
activity, with each village producing what it needed for its own
consumption.
He believed that the development of small-scale industries such as
handicrafts and cottage industries would help to create
employment opportunities and promote economic self-sufficiency in
rural communities.
Social reform: Gandhi believed that social reform was essential for
rural development.
He advocated for the abolition of caste-based discrimination, the
empowerment of women, and the promotion of communal harmony.

 In summary, Gandhi's approach to rural community development was centered

around the principles of self-reliance, agriculture, khadi, education, village economy,
and social reform.
 His ideas continue to inspire rural development initiatives in India and around the
world.

Broad-front development approach:-

 A broad front development approach can be particularly relevant and effective for
rural development, where there are often multiple stakeholders with diverse needs,
interests, and perspectives.
 In a rural context, a broad front development approach would involve collaboration
between communities, local government, NGOs, private sector entities, and other
stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for sustainable and inclusive rural
development.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
 This approach would prioritize the involvement of rural communities in the
development process, ensuring that their needs and priorities are central to the
planning and implementation of rural development projects.
 It would also take into consideration the social, economic, and environmental
dimensions of rural development, and work towards promoting sustainable
practices and environmental conservation.

 Some examples of initiatives that could be developed under a broad front

development approach for rural development include:

a. Improving access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and

healthcare
b. Developing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and energy grids to
connect rural areas to urban centers and markets
c. Promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices to enhance
productivity while conserving natural resources
d. Supporting local entrepreneurship and business development to create job
opportunities and stimulate economic growth
e. Enhancing education and skills training to provide rural communities with
the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the local economy and
beyond.

Sectoral approach:-
 A sectoral approach to rural development is a strategy in which development
projects are organized around specific sectors or areas of focus.
 For example, a sectoral approach to rural development might prioritize agriculture,
education, healthcare, or infrastructure development.
 The idea behind a sectoral approach is to concentrate resources and efforts on a
particular area of need or opportunity, with the hope of achieving greater impact
and efficiency.
 A sectoral approach to rural development can be effective in certain circumstances,
particularly when there are clear and specific needs within a particular sector that
require targeted interventions.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
 For example, if the main challenge facing a rural community is low agricultural
productivity, a sectoral approach that focuses on improving agricultural techniques
and infrastructure could be a useful way to address this challenge.

 However, a sectoral approach can also have limitations, particularly when it is

pursued in isolation from broader development objectives.

 Some of the key limitations of a sectoral approach to rural development include:

a. Limited impact:

Sectoral interventions can be successful in achieving specific objectives within

a particular sector, but they may not have a transformative impact on the
broader social and economic conditions of rural communities.

b. Fragmented approach:

A sectoral approach can lead to fragmented development efforts that do not

take into account the interrelated nature of different sectors and their impact
on rural communities.

c. Lack of community involvement:

A sectoral approach can sometimes prioritize the interests and objectives of

outside actors over those of the rural communities themselves, leading to a
lack of community ownership and engagement in the development process.

d. Inadequate attention to cross-cutting issues:

A sectoral approach may not adequately address cross-cutting issues such as

gender, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion that are critical for
achieving sustainable and inclusive rural development.

 In summary, while a sectoral approach to rural development can be useful in certain

circumstances, it is important to recognize its limitations and ensure that development
efforts are coordinated and integrated across sectors, with a focus on community
involvement and attention to cross-cutting issues.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

Participatory approach:-

 A participatory approach to rural development is a strategy that seeks to involve

local communities in the development process.
 The aim is to empower rural communities to take an active role in identifying their
own development priorities, designing appropriate interventions, and implementing
and monitoring development programs.
 The participatory approach to rural development recognizes that rural communities
have unique knowledge and perspectives on their own needs and priorities, and
that involving them in the development process can lead to more effective and
sustainable outcomes.

 There are several key principles that underpin a participatory approach to rural
development, including:

1. Community empowerment:

A participatory approach seeks to empower rural communities to take an active role

in the development process. This means that communities are involved in all stages
of development, from identifying needs and priorities to designing and
implementing interventions.

2. Bottom-up planning:

A participatory approach emphasizes bottom-up planning, where development

priorities are identified by the community rather than imposed from outside.

3. Capacity building:

A participatory approach emphasizes the need to build the capacity of local

communities to take an active role in the development process.
This may involve training in project management, financial management, and other
relevant skills.

4. Partnership and collaboration:

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
A participatory approach emphasizes the importance of partnerships and
collaboration between local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and other
stakeholders in the development process.

5. Sustainability:

A participatory approach emphasizes the need for sustainable development that

meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.

 The participatory approach to rural development has several advantages.

 First, it helps to ensure that development programs are tailored to the specific needs
and priorities of local communities, which can lead to more effective and sustainable
outcomes.

 Second, it fosters community ownership and engagement in the development process,

which can lead to greater buy-in and commitment to development programs.
 Finally, it can help to build the capacity of local communities to take an active role in
their own development, which can lead to long-term sustainability.

 In summary, a participatory approach to rural development emphasizes community

empowerment, bottom-up planning, capacity building, partnership and collaboration,
and sustainability.
 It seeks to involve local communities in all stages of the development process, with the
aim of achieving more effective and sustainable outcomes.

Target Approach:-

 A target approach to rural development is a strategy that focuses on specific groups

or areas of the population that are most in need of development interventions.
 The aim is to address specific challenges or disadvantages faced by these groups,
and to provide them with targeted support to improve their economic, social, and
environmental well-being.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
 The target approach is often used in situations where there are clear and specific
needs or vulnerabilities within a particular population.
 For example, a target approach to rural development might focus on improving the
economic opportunities and livelihoods of smallholder farmers, or on providing
basic services such as education and healthcare to disadvantaged communities.

 There are several key principles that underpin a target approach to rural
development, including:-

1. Inclusivity:

A target approach seeks to ensure that all members of the population have access to
development opportunities, regardless of their background, gender, or other factors
that may limit their access to resources.

2. Focus:

A target approach prioritizes specific groups or areas of the population that are most
in need of development interventions, in order to achieve greater impact and
efficiency.

3. Tailored interventions:

A target approach provides targeted support and interventions that are tailored to
the specific needs and priorities of the target group or area.

4. Partnership and collaboration:

A target approach emphasizes the importance of partnerships and collaboration

between different stakeholders in the development process, including government
agencies, NGOs, and community groups.

5. Sustainability:

A target approach seeks to ensure that development interventions are sustainable

and have a lasting impact, by addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality
and building the capacity of local communities to take an active role in their own
development.

 The target approach to rural development has several advantages.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

 First, it allows for a focused and efficient use of resources, by targeting specific
groups or areas of the population that are most in need of support.
 Second, it can lead to more effective outcomes by tailoring interventions to the
specific needs and priorities of the target group or area.
 Finally, it can help to build the capacity of local communities to take an active role in
their own development, which can lead to long-term sustainability.

 In summary, a target approach to rural development prioritizes specific groups or areas

of the population that are most in need of development interventions, and provides
them with targeted support and interventions that are tailored to their specific needs
and priorities.
 It emphasizes inclusivity, focus, tailored interventions, partnership and collaboration,
and sustainability.

Basic need approach:-

 The basic needs approach to rural development is a strategy that focuses on

providing essential goods and services to meet the basic needs of rural communities.
 The aim is to improve the quality of life of rural populations by addressing their most
pressing needs, such as access to food, clean water, healthcare, education, and
housing.
 The basic needs approach recognizes that poverty and underdevelopment are often
the result of a lack of access to basic goods and services, and that addressing these
needs is a fundamental precondition for broader economic and social development.
 There are several key principles that underpin the basic needs approach to rural
development, including:

a. Priority setting:

A basic needs approach prioritizes the provision of essential goods and

services that are most critical to the well-being of rural communities, such as
food, water, healthcare, education, and housing.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes
b. Inclusivity:

A basic needs approach seeks to ensure that all members of the population
have access to basic goods and services, regardless of their background,
gender, or other factors that may limit their access to resources.

c. Local participation:

A basic needs approach emphasizes the importance of local participation in

the planning, design, and implementation of development interventions, in
order to ensure that they are tailored to the specific needs and priorities of
rural communities.

d. Sustainability:

A basic needs approach seeks to ensure that development interventions are

sustainable and have a lasting impact, by building the capacity of local
communities to take an active role in their own development.

The basic needs approach to rural development has several advantages.

 First, it addresses the most pressing needs of rural communities, which can
improve the quality of life and well-being of rural populations.
 Second, it can lead to broader economic and social development by providing a
foundation for further development interventions.
 Finally, it can help to build the capacity of local communities to take an active
role in their own development, which can lead to long-term sustainability.

 In summary, the basic needs approach to rural development prioritizes the provision of
essential goods and services to meet the basic needs of rural communities.

 It emphasizes priority setting, inclusivity, local participation, and sustainability, and seeks
to address the root causes of poverty and underdevelopment by providing a foundation
for further development interventions.

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VISION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Subject: Rural Development:
Administration & Planning
ALIGARH
Unit 2: Rural Development Programmes

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