Question

Answer the following question in detail (in 150-200 words).

Explain the problems faced by the rural community and discuss measures to solve the problems that you have mentioned.

Answer 1

Problems of rural community:

1. Poverty: A majority of rural population works under the conditions of poverty, unemployment and pitiable economic situation. Large portions of rural poor are small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, rural artisans. They are not able to fulfil even basic necessities.
2. Illiteracy: Illiteracy is widespread in rural areas as compared to urban areas. High illiteracy rates among children and adults continue even today due to inadequate budgetary provisions for rural education. The quality of education in rural areas is also a matter of grave concern. 
3. Traditionalism, conservatism and superstitions: Rural India till date can be called a conservative society as it still holds on to traditional mindsets, beliefs and ways of life. Rural folk are slow to change and often resist changes due to habit or fear. 
4. Caste influence: Traditional rights, authorities and sanctions based on caste hierarchy may not be apparent today. However, it is deeply entrenched in people’s minds and permeates interactions. 
5. Farmers’ suicides: This phenomenon is especially worrisome in India as majority of the workforce is dependent on agriculture. Most farmers who took their own lives were financially indebted. 
6. Lower status of women: Due to control of family, religion, customs and traditions, subordinate status is given to women in rural areas. Patriarchal values pervade all aspects of social life, generating discriminatory practices and gender stereotyping.
7. Family disputes: A common problem in rural areas is conflict over land holdings. Due to this, joint families break and land gets divided to the extent that it is hardly cultivable. Rural farmers suffer from such property disputes and their children prefer not to continue farming.

Measures to solve the problems of rural community:

1. In addition to agriculture and allied activities, other employment opportunities could be generated in rural areas. This would enable to improve income of rural community. Government could also initiate schemes to ensure fulfilment of basic necessities. 
2. Higher budgetary provisions for rural education could help to overcome the problem of illiteracy in these areas.
3. Education could help in changing conservative mindset of rural people. Erroneous traditional beliefs and superstitions can be dealt with by creating awareness through mass media.
4. Rural communities could be encouraged to cooperate with each other in day-to-day life irrespective of their caste. They can also engage in positive social interactions during festivals.
5. Financial assistance could be provided to farmers. It is also possible to provide them with seeds, pesticides and fertilizers at subsidised rates. Facilities could be created to enable direct sale to final consumers. 
6. Women could be empowered through education. Special assistance can be given to female entrepreneurs in rural areas. 
7. Land disputes could be solved in quick and fair manner.