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Abstract-
The Indian economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. India's GDP has been growing at about 7.5% during the last 3 years. The country is all set to achieve a growth rate of at least 8% a year. The economic development of a nation depends, primarily, on the availability and adequacy of sound infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. It is infrastructure, which is treated as an engine of growth and provides a basic framework for economic and social progress. Physical infrastructure like roads, railways, ports, airports, power and telecommunication strengthens the economy, boosts investment, attracts prospective entrepreneurs and helps in alleviation of poverty and unemployment through numerous positive backward and forward linkage effects on primary, secondary and tertiary sectors of the economy. Similarly, social infrastructure like drinking water supply, sanitation, education, health, etc., helps in improving quality of life of millions of rural inhabitants.
In the context of accelerating the overall growth rate, development of the rural economy through creation of adequate rural infrastructure, assumes crucial importance as more than 60% of the population live in rural areas and nearly two-thirds of the work force derive their livelihood from agriculture. The Fifth Economic census has concluded that more than 60% of all economic enterprises are in the rural areas and employ the largest chunk of the work force. Even if the agriculture sector is excluded, more than half the jobs are in rural India. This empirical article focuses the rural infrastructure development in India with critical analysis through RIDF.
Keywords: Indian Economy, Growth Rate, Rural Infrastructure, Agriculture Sector
INTRODUCTION
Rural infrastructure is not only a key component of rural development but also an important ingredient in ensuring any sustainable poverty reduction programme. The proper development of infrastructure in rural areas improves rural economy and quality of life. It promotes better productivity, increases agricultural income adequate employment. In addition to providing employment, the implementation of rural infrastructure development projects have been able to create a positive impact on the rural economic scenario. Rural infrastructure comprises rural roads, rural housing, rural electrification, rural telecommunication, etc. The need for continuously increasing investment the rural infrastructure can hardly be over emphasized, more so to bridge the gap between urban and...