Question

Which of the following statements best defines rural areas and rural development in India?

1. Rural areas are characterized by a population density of over 400 per sq km and less than 25% male population engaged in agriculture.
2. Rural development focuses only on increasing agricultural output and ignores other sectors.
3. Rural areas have a population of less than 5,000, with more than 25% of the male workforce engaged in agricultural pursuits, and rural development involves a multi-dimensional approach to improve quality of life, including agriculture, industries, and human resources.
4. Rural development is a purely economic strategy aimed solely at the industrialization of rural areas.

• A. None of these
• B. All
• C. 3, 4
• D. 3 only

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 3 only

• Rural Area A population of less than 5,000 Density of population less than 400 per sq km More than 25 percent of the male working population is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

• The term rural development connotes overall development of rural areas to improve the quality of life of rural people.

• It is a comprehensive and multi dimensional concept and encompasses the development of agriculture and allied activities, village and cottage industries, crafts, socio-economic infrastructure, community services and facilities and above all the human resources in rural areas.

• Rural development can be conceptualized as a process, a phenomenon, a strategy and a discipline.