Measuring Rural Development

Abstract

This article is an attempt to assess the impact of the solar home lighting systems in the socio-economic development of rural areas and to measure the extent of welfare and level of satisfaction among the beneficiaries of solar home lighting systems in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Focus group discussions techniques were used to gather the information from the selected villages. The solar home lighting systems have improved the standard of living of the beneficiaries. They now watch TV and listen to the radio for entertainment and news. School-going children can study in the evenings for longer time and score more marks in the examinations. Girls among the Adivasis are encouraged to go to school. Drop-out rate has been reduced. Women find it more comfortable to do household chores. Working hours have been increased in the evening. Income generation activities are also being initiated, but at a slower pace. Expenditure on kerosene has been reduced significantly. Solar home lighting systems thus bring socio-economic changes in remote villages for the better.