This book is the outcome of deliberations in the three-day workshop on Challenges in Rural Development, held under the auspices of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Rural Management and Rural Development. The book presents various aspects affecting development in rural areas. The economic growth of Indian people depends upon rural development, is the major highlight of this book. Besides pinpointing hurdles in this task, it suggests remedial action to remove, poverty, illiteracy and malnutrition of the people residing in rural areas. This book attempts to establish that for seeking constructive participation of people in development, it is essential to empower Gram Sabha and Panchayti Raj institution. Research scholars and people interested in examining various inputs for rural development will find this book useful. This book is useful for students of rural development and its management. This volume embodies a number of papers presented at the seminar on Challenges in Rural Development organised by the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Rural Management and Rural Development, Patna from the 28th to 30th October, 1994.