Information System for Rural Industries

Rural industrialization embraces all industries and service enterprises located in rural and semi urban settlements falling in low investment ranges. A sizeable number in this category are likely to have some form or other linkages with the local economy. Formally it can be said to include tiny sector units with investment in plant and machinery not exceeding Rs. 5 lakhs and village cottage and artisan units. Service establishments with investment in plant and machinery not exceeding Rs. 2 lakhs can also be treated as rural industries. There are divergent views expressed on the concept or rural industrialization without much clear cut classification of rural industries. Activities covered by rural industries, otherwise referred to as decentralized industrial sector, refer to a variety of activities varying investment ranges for which support is made available under different programmes covering the non-farm sector including anti-poverty programmes. These include organized factories unorganized workshops, artisan units, village cottage and household industries and self-employment enterprises promoted under anti-poverty programmes covering rural and semi-urban areas, some of these are illustrated here to gain greater comprehension about the canvas covered by rural industrialization spread over rural and semi-urban areas. Information is admittedly one of the essential ingredients and managerially dynamic instrument to accelerate industrial growth. It is accordingly a very crucial physical resource which initiates and controls the industrial growth. An information system is necessary for some of the major activities of the rural industry. This book helps in project planning, implementation and management appraisal of rural industries.