KHU701 – RURAL DEVELOPMENT: ADMINISTRATION & PLANNING
B.Tech (SEM VII) – Theory Examination
Complete Solved Answers
SECTION A
(Attempt all questions in brief – 2 marks each)
a. Write any two key issues in Rural Development.
Two key issues in rural development are:
Poverty and unemployment
Lack of basic infrastructure such as health, education, and roads
b. Give any two basic elements of Rural Development.
Two basic elements of rural development are:
Economic development (income and employment generation)
Social development (education, health, sanitation)
c. Who started the Gurgaon Experiment?
The Gurgaon Experiment was started by F. L. Brayne, an ICS officer, in Haryana.
d. Define objectives of Marthandam Experiment.
The objectives of the Marthandam Experiment were:
To promote self-reliance in rural areas
To improve agriculture, cottage industries, and village sanitation
e. What do you mean by Rural Finance?
Rural finance refers to the system of providing credit and financial services to farmers, artisans, and rural entrepreneurs to support agriculture and rural development activities.
f. What do you mean by Gram Panchayats?
Gram Panchayats are local self-government institutions at the village level responsible for administration, development, and welfare activities in rural areas.
g. What do you mean by mental dimension of Human Resource Development?
The mental dimension of HRD focuses on improving awareness, attitudes, motivation, confidence, and decision-making abilities of individuals.
h. What does skill development as an HRD dimension consist of?
Skill development consists of training people in technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills to enhance employability and productivity.
i. Give negative impacts of industrialization in rural India.
Negative impacts include:
Environmental pollution
Displacement of rural population
j. Write any two reasons in favour of trusteeship.
Two reasons in favour of trusteeship are:
Reduces economic inequality
Promotes social responsibility among the wealthy
SECTION B
(Attempt any three – answers provided for ALL)
2(a). Explain 4th, 5th and Rolling Plans in rural development
The Fourth Five-Year Plan focused on agricultural growth, poverty removal, and self-reliance through increased food production.
The Fifth Five-Year Plan emphasized employment generation, minimum needs programme, and poverty alleviation.
The Rolling Plan replaced fixed planning by introducing flexibility, allowing annual plan adjustments based on performance and economic conditions.
2(b). Firka Movement and Etawah Pilot Project
The Firka Movement in Tamil Nadu aimed at integrated rural development by improving roads, education, sanitation, and cooperation among villagers.
The Etawah Pilot Project focused on community development, agricultural improvement, and people’s participation. Both projects emphasized grassroots involvement.
2(c). Advantages of financing through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
SHGs promote savings habits, easy access to credit, women empowerment, and reduce dependence on moneylenders. They also improve financial inclusion and social cohesion.
2(d). Importance of health, education, energy, skills, and nutrition
Health improves productivity, education increases awareness, energy supports industries, skill development generates employment, and nutrition ensures physical and mental growth. Together, they form the foundation of sustainable rural development.
2(e). Strategies for improving rural industrialization
Strategies include promoting cottage industries, providing credit facilities, improving infrastructure, skill training, and encouraging local entrepreneurship. Examples include khadi, handicrafts, and agro-based industries.
SECTION C
3(a). Problems associated with rural development
Rural development faces problems like poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, poor infrastructure, lack of healthcare, land fragmentation, and limited access to technology. These challenges slow economic and social progress.
3(b). Rural development programs: MGNREGA and PMGSY
MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to rural households, improving income security.
PMGSY focuses on providing all-weather road connectivity to villages, enhancing access to markets, schools, and hospitals.
4(a). Panchayati Raj in India
Panchayati Raj is a three-tier system consisting of Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zila Parishad. It promotes democratic decentralization, local governance, and rural development.
4(b). Necessity of Gandhian Constructive Programme
The Gandhian programme aimed at village self-sufficiency, social equality, promotion of khadi, education, sanitation, and rural upliftment through non-violence and cooperation.
5(a). Human Resource Development in rural sector
HRD in rural areas focuses on education, health, skill development, and physical well-being. Physical dimension includes nutrition, healthcare, sanitation, and safe drinking water.
5(b). Powers and responsibilities of Panchayats
Panchayats are responsible for local planning, agriculture, education, health, sanitation, infrastructure development, and implementation of government schemes.
6(a). Evolution of Human Resource Development
HRD evolved due to industrialization, globalization, technological change, and the need for skilled manpower. It emphasizes capacity building and sustainable development.
6(b). Rural industries: philosophy and slow growth
Rural industries promote local employment and self-reliance. Slow growth is due to lack of capital, poor infrastructure, limited markets, and low technology adoption.
7(a). Rural entrepreneurship
Rural entrepreneurship involves starting businesses in rural areas using local resources. Problems include lack of finance and skills, while prospects include employment generation and economic growth.
7(b). Role of women entrepreneurship in rural India
Women entrepreneurs contribute to income generation, family welfare, and social development. Challenges include lack of education, finance, and social barriers.
