Rural development and co-operation/by B. L. Mathur...[et al]

The rural economy of third world nations is characterised by low productivity, widespread unemployment and under employment, social-inequality, lack of infrastructural facilities and the basic minimum of social amenities necessary for civilized living. Rural Development is a long term process which requires a decentralised as well as integrated approach. It requires a strategy designed to improve the economic and social life of specific group of people -The rural people. The co-operative movement has been well recognised as essential media for achieving this objective through people's participation in order to accomplish socio economic equality. Because of the growing importance of rural development and co-operation as a means of removing rural poverty, the subject has been introduced at the degree level in the several Indian Universities. The book provides a comprehensive coverage of Rural Development and co-operation to the course requirement of degree and Hons. Courses.

In the preparation of this book, we have liberally drawn upon the writings of a large number of eminent economists and matter and data from publications of Government of India and Rajasthan mainly plan documents of Eighth & Ninth Five Year Plan, Economic Survey, India, Reserve Bank of India - Report on Currency and Finance, India-2004, Annual Report of Ministry of Rural Development 2003-04, Economic Review of the State of Rajasthan and Basic facts about Rajasthan-2005, Ministry of Consumer Affairs-Food and Public Distribution-2004-05. The foot notes indicate, though somewhat inadequately my indebtedness to all of them.

While no effort has been spared to remove printing and other mistakes, We sincerely hope and trust that our readers will favour us by pointing out errors that might have crept in due to over-sight. We shall consider our efforts amply rewarded if the for whom the book is intended are benefited by it. Suggestions for improvement may be highly appreciated and gladly adhered to. We are also thankful to our Publisher for his active co-operation and fine get up of the book.