Q1. Explain the concept of rural development and its policy perspective prior to 1970s.
- Rural development pre-1970s focused on poverty, agricultural output, and rural-urban disparities.
- Community Development (CD) approach (1950s-60s) emphasized local self-help and participation.
- CD faced limitations like inadequate technical support and fragmented sectoral interventions.
- Policies prioritized agricultural production via initial 'Green Revolution' with HYVs and fertilizers.
Answer: The concept of rural development prior to the 1970s primarily revolved around strategies to improve the socio-economic well-being and quality of life for populations in rural areas. This encompassed efforts to alleviate poverty, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate disparities between rural and urban sectors. The overarching goal was often to transform traditional agrarian economies into more modern, productive systems essential for national economic growth. Policy perspectives befor...