India Rural Development Report, 2012-13

Rural India is undergoing a sweeping transformation. The narratives vary from rural resurgence and expanding consumption to conflicts, poverty and distress. In this complex and multi-layered context, the India Rural Development Report 2013| 13 delves into various aspects of rural development. The Report is unique in that it provides a comprehensive current picture of rural India and brings together into a single compilation a review and analysis of the:

evolving rural economy and its implications on social relations;

contours of regional inequality, social and economic deprivation;

inequalities in access to education, healthcare and physical infrastructure;

changing nature of livelihoods with commercialisation and smallholder farms and growing non-farm opportunities;

sustainability of natural resources, so critical to rural livelihoods, and the conflicts over resources; and

changing role of the state and local self-governance.



The Report also reviews all major central government rural programmes and schemes and, in particular, provides an in-depth assessment of the flagship rural employment guarantee programme, MGNREGA.

The Report will be of interest because it:

covers debates on topical issues;

provides empirical analyses;

synthesises literature across a spectrum of issues;

presents inspiring stories and innovative models to show what works and what does not;

suggests policy directions; and

provides a comprehensive rural database.



This Report has been prepared by IDFC Foundation, in collaboration with network partners CESS, IRMA, IGIDR, and with contributions from other researchers, experts and civil society organisations working on the ground. It will be an invaluable resource for policymakers, state and local bodies, researchers and the private sector.



Selling Points

First report on rural infrastructure

Lucidly written and deals with issues of rural livelihood and sustainability

Statistical Annexure containing tables on rural infrastructure

Provides an in-depth assessment of the flagship rural employment guarantee programme, MGNREGA

IDFC Limited was incorporated in 1997 as India s first specialised infrastructure financing intermediary in order to address the growing requirements of various infrastructure sectors. IDFC Foundation s activities, which are aimed at strengthening the delivery of public infrastructure services, include policy advocacy and research, programme support and advisory services, capacity building and community engagement programmes.

The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad

The Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA)

The Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR)