Poverty remains a persistent global challenge, and in India, rural development is pivotal as the majority of the population depends on rural economies. It extends beyond infrastructure to include education, housing, social security, and broader socio-economic dimensions. The Government of India has launched flagship programmes such as the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) to address these concerns. This study, based on secondary data, evaluates their objectives, implementation, and outcomes in employment generation, skill development, housing, education, and social security. While these schemes have improved welfare and contributed to inclusive growth, challenges of implementation gaps, administrative delays, and inequitable access persist. Stronger institutional frameworks, effective monitoring, and greater community participation are essential for ensuring that rural development initiatives translate into sustainable and inclusive transformation.
Saha et al. (2025) studied this question.