Mass poverty and widespread unemployment are the two most pervasive phenomena and also the commonalities or the third world countries. In fact, poverty coupled with widespread illiteracy and ignorance are the causative factors inhibiting the economic growth and development of these countries. In India rural poverty is more acute and of alarming proportions than the urban poverty. Rural poor are a deprived lot not only in the physical and material spheres but also in social, political and cultural terms. The unique quality and exploitation from which the majority of rural population suffers is demoralizing, engenders resentment and stifles initiative and creativity. A large majority of the rural poor belongs to the category of small farmers, marginal farmers, agricultural laborers and rural artisans.