Book Description

In recent years there has been considerable debate in India on the efficacy of IRDP in mitigating rural poverty. The government agencies like Planning Commission, Reserve Bank of India, National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development have been conducting several evaluative research studies, all over India, since the inception of the programme from the Sixth Five Year Plan. Those studies have presented a rosy picture of the success of IRDP. The line of judgement adopted by these studies were mere calculation of the proportion of households which have crossed poverty line by comparing pre-IRDP and post-IRDP income figures. This methodology, however, fails to make an adjustment for inflation, changes in family size, internal payment of loan, access to common property resources, availability of potable water, health and educational facilities which significantly influence the living condition of the poor. The studies made by different research organizations, individuals, institutions differ on different points. But the common considerations underlying all these studies is the failure to a large extent of this massive anti-poverty programme. The present study is a clear deviation from the earlier studies on two points. Firstly, a new methodology of Typological approach is adopted to assess the impact. Secondly, there is an attempt to restructure the present IRDP by way of an inter-industry model of the Leontief type. The findings will prove an essential reading not only to the academics but also to the planners, policy makers and government agencies.