2025, Vol. 7, Issue 8, Part C

Author(s): PM Honrao

Abstract: Sustainable development, as a globally recognized paradigm, encompasses environmental, economic, and social dimensions. While environmental and economic sustainability receive considerable attention, the social dimension, particularly in the context of rural areas in developing countries like India, remains relatively under-researched and often poorly defined. This paper aims to explore and define rural social sustainability in the Indian context, considering the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities. It critically reviews existing literature on social sustainability, analyzes relevant indicators within the Indian socio-economic landscape, and identifies key elements crucial for fostering social sustainability in rural India. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating secondary data analysis of government reports and academic studies with qualitative insights gleaned from case studies and expert interviews. The findings highlight the importance of factors like social equity, community cohesion, access to essential services, cultural preservation, and participatory governance for achieving rural social sustainability. The paper concludes by offering a contextualized definition of rural social sustainability for India and suggesting policy recommendations to promote its integration into broader sustainable development strategies.

DOI: 10.33545/27068919.2025.v7.i8c.1646

Pages: 191-194 | Views: 460 | Downloads: 42

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