Rural development implies both the economic betterment of people as well as greater social transformation. In order to provide the rural people with better prospects for economic development, increased participation of people in the rural development programmes, decentralization of planning, better enforcement of land reforms and greater access to credit are needed. This section provides complete information on initiatives taken by the government for bridging the urban-rural divide by upgrading the standard of living of people in rural areas. Information about programmes, schemes, employment opportunities, Panchayati Raj institutions, development authorities, drinking water, sanitation, road construction, electrification of villages and food supply etc. is provided.