Studies in rural development

In this book eleven papers by the ISEC academic staff, who have been engaged directly or indirectly in the study of rural economic problems, are brought together. The papers present certain findings based on micro-level studies and also on mac ro analysis of various aspects of rural development in the country. Some of these studies have also attempted methodological innovation like the merit of close association with village as a resident, instead of being an alien participant observer, to under stand the village life and the pattern of socio-economic change; the need for studying a cluster of villages in stead of a single village; and the need to study a much wider circle around a village including its nearest urban centre. It is feared that some of these methods may be as inadequate as any other method while planning for levelling up of socio-economic dis parities in the rural areas. Enfor cement of minimum wages and intro duction of Antyodaya may be one of the solutions. Thus the book atte mpts to make a modest contribution to a more systematic understanding of the process of rural development in India.