Rural Development in India is one ofthe most crucial factors for the growth ofthe economy. It has great significance for a country like India where majority ofthe population live in rural areas. The most deprived people live in India generally belong to the rural areas. The present strategy ofrural development in India mainly focusses on poverty alleviation, better livelihood opportunities, provision of basic amenities and infrastructure facilities through innovative programmes of wage and selfemployment. It aims at improving rural people's livelihoods in an equitable and sustainable manner both socially and environmentally. Therefore, the book provides relevant information on the strategies, policy instruments, policies and programmes, and the management of rural development. Recent developments and progress of rural development programmes like equity and growth-oriented programmes and natural resources and infrastructure programmes have been discussed. A feature of this book is that experts, who have knowledge of the issues they address, have made their valuable contributions. This book will be a valuable source of reference on the subject for policy-makers, teachers, and students of economics, sociology, commerce and development thinkers. It highlights the maj or policy challenges for rural development.