Post-independence change in rural India : a pilot study of an Uttar Pradesh village

Post-independence strategies of restructuring and changing the face of rural India have, after the experimentation of 33 years, reached a stage where a serious effort at critical analysis and stock-taking is called for. This introspection should make clear whether the linearity, quantum, and speed of changes brought about so far are adequate, appropriate and satisfactory. This study first reviews the past research in terms of their claims of objectivity, analytical rigour, conceptual clarity, comprehensiveness of sweep, selection of data, interpretative neutrality and prescriptive appropriate ness to highlight their inadequacies. It then reports the findings of a pilot study conducted in an Uparhar village from Barabanki district vis-a-vis the changes in the authority structure of the village, conflict, crime and deviance, development and deployment of system resources, production system and social structure. Finally, it uses its findings to pose crucial issues for redesigning rural development programmes in future.

Programme planners, managers of rural development programmes, system analysts and academicians who are interested in fostering the process of development and containing the process of underdevelopment would find the book of special interest.