The major rural development programmes with case studies at Samastipur district of Bihar have been discussed in this volume with relevant data. Also socio-economic data pertaining to Samastipur and brief history have been covered here. As per 2011 Census out of total population, 3.5 per cent people were in urban areas while 96.5 per cent lived in the rural areas, indicating Samastipur lives in her village. Agriculture is the main economic occupation of the district as about 83 per cent of the total working population depends on it. The district is noted for its fertile alluvial soil so rich in agriculture. The major crops of the district are paddy, maize, wheat, pulses, mustard, etc. On the other hand, potato, sugarcane and tobacco are main cash crops. The district is also known for spices and vegetables. Mango and litchi are main fruit crops. Out of the total land holding in the district about 87 per cent falls under the category of 2.0 hectares or below indicating more marginal and small farmers. In view of

this rural development programmes are having huge importance in the district. It is noteworthy to mention that JEEViKA has been doing praiseworthy work among rural below poverty line (BPL) households. In this volume, JEEViKA, MGNREGS, PMAY-R, RESTI, DDU-GKU etc. have been discussed with relevant data.