Rural reconstruction implies renovation of the villages for the total well-being of the people in villages. It is oriented to their social, economic, and political development. The principal objectives of rural reconstruction include (a) eradication of poverty by means of regeneration of cottage industries, the establishment of cooperative societies, improvement of transport, (b) spread of education, (c) progress of health, (d) the abolition of social malpractices like casteism, untouchability and the like.
In Post-Independence India, rural reconstruction programmes are affected through specific efforts. They include Land Reforms, Panchayati Raj, Co-operative Movement, Community Development Projects, and Five-Year Plans.
The Firka Development Scheme launched by Madras Government in 1946 aimed at the attainment of the Gandhian ideal of “Village Swaraj” by bringing about not only educational, economic, sanitary, and other developmental activities of villages but also by revitalizing the spirit of the people and making them self-confident and self-reliant. Sarvodaya Scheme was launched by the Bombay Government with a view to promoting the furtherance of Gandhiji’s constructive programme.
