Extension System in India:
Extension efforts in Pre-independence era (Sriniketan, Marthandam, Firka Development Scheme, Gurgaon Project, etc. ) Post-independence Era (Etawah Pilot Project, Nilokheri Experiment, etc.)
Rural development is an obligation of the Government to raise the standard of living of the rural people. World Bank defined rural development in terms of an improvement of the economic and social life of the rural poor. Rural development encompasses all sectors of rural life. In its widest sense, it implies development of every aspect of rural life. There are number of rural development programs were started by the Nationalists and Social reformers. Some of these programs gradually disappeared or some were merged with Government sponsored schemes later. 'This is because of various reasons like lack of encouragement of the Government, lack of financial support, inadequate, in experienced and untrained staff. For the clarity, we can divide these Development Programmes in two parts: Pre-Independence Programmes, and Post-Independence Programmes.
Pre-independence era Programmes:-
1. Sriniketan Project
In 1920, Rabindra Nath Tagore laid the foundation of the Sriniketan Institute for Rural Reconstruction with the help of sociologist Shri L.M. Hurst. and formulated a programme for the all round improvement in the Village of his Zamindari with the objective of studying rural problems and of helping the Villagers to develop agriculture, improving the livestock, formation of co-operatives. He believed in self help and mutual help and wanted the village workers to be involved in the life of rural people and work for their welfare. He started this programme in the cluster of 8 Villages but were not very successful and can only be described as rural welfare works.The absence of market facilities, professional guidance,
lack of co-ordination between the implementing authority
and improper incentives for workers made the task more difficult
and desired results could not be achieved.
2. Gurgaon experiment:
In 1920, Mr. Brayne had been appointed on the post of Deputy Commissioner in Gurgaon district and he began this project of rural upliftment in his district, which became famous as “Gurgaon Project.” The programme aimed at improving agriculture, education, health and sanitation facilities, co-operation, and social development with greater vigor. He stressed on the dignity of labour, selfhelp and conducted propaganda through films, songs, skits and plays with a view to increase farm yields and improving health standards. Although this project got some success yet this scheme also could not survive more because this project was also based upon the sentiments of F.L. Brayne and when he was transferred, gradually this programme also stopped.3. Marthandam Project:
Dr. Spencer Hatch of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) set up a Project in 1921 at Martandam, 25 miles south of Thiruvananthapuram. The purpose of this experiment was to bring about a complete upward development towards a more complete and meaningful life for rural people three folded development -spirit, mind and body. To achieve this they launched five sided programme-spiritual, mental, physical, economic and social development were also included. The main stress in programme was on the principle that people should not depend on Government for support because when concessions and help in any field are not given, the people develop in them a feeling of self-help and self- reliance.The objectives of this programme was the YMCA should work in the Villages to eliminate poverty. For the Rural Demonstration Centre at Martandam had a demonstration farm, prized animals, equipment for the honey industry and other cottage vocations.
3. Firka Development scheme:
The Firka Development scheme of Madras was a Government sponsored Scheme in 1946 this programme aimed at organizing the villagers for a happier, more prosperous and fuller life in which the individual villagers had the opportunity to develop both as an individual and as a unit of a well integrated society. Among Pre-Independence project, this was the biggest project. Selection of Firkas based on general backwardness of the area and where there is possibility of initiating cottage industries. The priority areas of work for each Firka included Rural reconstruction facility, Drinking water facility, Sanitation Khadi and other village industries.For the overall development of the area planning was framed in two categories
✔ Long term plans (knowledge inputs, attainment of Gandhian ideal )
Post- Independence Era Programme
1. Etawah Pilot Project :-
In 1947, after Independence, the Government of India prioritised on rural development and how this work should be managed. For this the guidance of an experienced person was needed. The Government of India urged the U.S. government to send Mr. Albert Mayor to India because he had enough experience of rural development programme and was a Rural Sociologist.Under the leadership of Lt.Col.Albert Mayor of USA , the office of Etawah Pilot Project was established by the U.P Govt. in October 1948 at Mahewa in the Etawah District. Initially 64 villages were selected around Mahewa District for the development. It was also called Average District Plan because the project was initiated in the normal envoirnment . This programme named as pilot project means the work is for specific location and further it shows the path.This progrrame was the forer unner of CDP . (Community Development Programme)