Challenges and opportunities for rural development: an illustrative study of Bilaspur district (Chhattisgarh)

Abstract

India is one of the largest democratic countries in the world. Its spirit resides in the villages. The Indian economy is basically rural and agricultural. The upliftment of villages is necessary for the all-round development of the country. 70 percent of the population of this country with rich human resources lives in about 6 lakh villages. Development of rural areas is a big problem in this hugely diverse country. Many problems like poverty, unemployment, rapid population growth, malnutrition, disease can be seen in rural areas. Keeping these in mind, the framers of the Constitution had laid emphasis on the implementation of rural development schemes. The Father of the Nation had envisioned rural development through Panchayati Raj. The 73rd Amendment Bill of the Indian Constitution proved to be a milestone in the matter of rural development. Various schemes sponsored by the Central and State Government proved effective for rural progress and restructuring Bilaspur district is located in the eastern part of Chhattisgarh. This district is surrounded by Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh state and Koriya, Raipur, Korba, and Janjgir districts of Chhattisgarh state. The total area of Bilaspur district is approximately 3508.48 square kilometers. It is hilly in the north and flat in the south. The average rainfall in this district is about 1220 mm. The district is surrounded by Agar, Maniyari and Arpa rivers. The total population of Bilaspur district is approximately 12663629 out of which 79% people live in villages and the total population density is approximately 674 persons per square kilometer. The physical, economic, socio-cultural condition of the rural parts of this district is pathetic. There are many obstacles in the path of rural development, which require systematic solutions. This district has immense development potential, which needs to be the focus of the government and planners. Regional disparities can be eliminated by proper development of physical and human resources so that a blueprint for progress can be prepared.