Articles by Vidya Sagar

Harsh Agro-Climatic Environment Care of Rajasthan Vidya Sagar Rajasthan is characterised by sharp regional contrasts in agro-climatic conditions as well as by fluctuating levels of rainfall and consequent frequency of drought conditions. Although there are regional variations in poverty levels, overall the state has a very low level of economic and social development, coupled with a negative record of achievements in poverty alleviation. An examination of the functioning of PAPs suggests that an emphasis on infrastructurat development, especially watershed development and reforestation, along with programmes of employment and asset redistribution, is most needed in this state.

The structure and distribution of poverty groups measured in terms of size of landholding, value of assets, caste or unemployment, is not uniform throughout the country. In Rajasthan which by 1968 had become one of highest poverty states the data show some distinct features. This paper examines the position of the generally identified rural poverty groups in the state in terms of the distribution of consumption expenditure, income, assets and liabilities as well as food consumption patterns for both all-rural population and the weaker sections. What emerges is that the consumption levels of a significant number of labour households are higher than those of other sections of the population; that rural labour households are not necessarily the poorer sections; and that in fact, small cultivators turn out to be the worst sufferers.