Micro finance and rural development in India

Rural development is primarily concerned with addressing the needs of the rural poor in the matter of sustainable economic activities. Alleviation of rural poverty can be achieved by identifying income-generating activities with focus on micro finance as the basic input for socio-economic development. Role of micro finance in eradication of poverty was stressed by the United Nations in its Economic and Social Council meet on July 25, 1997 in which the Council called for strengthening the micro credit institutions.

The present work contains the research papers and articles contributed by researchers, social scientists and academicians. Topics ranging from the concept of micro finance, self help groups, issues in rural credit delivery system, bank linkage programmes, rural development and related matters, have been examined and policy measures suggested to help the rural poor. The book will be useful for planners, policy makers, administrators, academicians, social scientists, teachers and students interested in micro finance as a tool of rural development.