Rural development in the 21st century

The benefits of rural development efforts have not trickled down to the rural masses due to centralised planning, limited participation of the rural people in the programmes of rural uplift and the feudal nature of the rural set up. Illiteracy and poor infrastructure of the rural areas along with dynastic and centralised power structure have kept the rural poor on the periphery. It is recommended that as a first priority the emphasis should be given to human resource and infrastructure development to ensure participation of the rural masses in the development process. Developing local leadership through a process of devolution of power can be helpful in generating long-run sustainable agricultural and rural development patterns in the 21st century. (Pak Development Rev/DÜI)