Q.State the remedial measures for Rural Unemployment.

Rural unemployment can be reduced by modernising agriculture, promoting village and small industries, diversifying into allied activities, developing infrastructure, and running employment-guarantee and skill programmes.

Rural unemployment in India is largely seasonal and disguised. The main remedial measures are:

1. Development of agriculture — expanding irrigation, multiple cropping, better seeds and modern methods so that farm work is available for more months of the year.
2. Promotion of small-scale and cottage industries — village and handicraft industries provide off-season employment and absorb surplus rural labour.
3. Diversification into allied activities — encouraging dairy, poultry, fisheries, sericulture, horticulture and animal husbandry to create additional income and jobs.
4. Development of rural infrastructure — roads, electricity, storage, irrigation and marketing facilities generate direct employment and support other activities.
5. Employment-guarantee schemes — programmes such as MGNREGA guarantee wage employment in rural areas during lean periods. …