Introduction

This book has been recognized on account of inbuilt structural problems in the existing Indian economic system. It is recognized that problems of poverty and unemployment needs to be handled from ‘population end’ by pursuing ‘area based approach’ rather than that of ‘programme based approach.’

Present study considering minority households in selected villages, blocks and cities in Rampur district is a modest attempt in this direction. In-particular, study examines empirically: (i) social characteristics of minorities, (ii) economic characteristics of minorities, (iii) housing characteristics and health conditions of minorities, (iv) employment structure, welfare programmes and development of minorities, and (v) policy recommendations based on the general findings of the study.

The in-depth socioeconomic understanding about minority households has been considered as an appropriate basis for policy recommendations to improve the socioeconomic conditions. Thus, ‘area based approach’ rather than ‘programme based approach’ has been followed in the present study for solving the socio-economic problems of minorities.