Development of Market Links in Rural Areas of Jammu & Kashmir (India)

Abstract

The rural areas always suffer due to weak market links in absence all weather roads. The seasonal closure of road halts the growth and progress of rural areas besides affecting the social and economic life of inhabitants. The habitations which have been provided road connectivity through PradhanMantri Gram SadakYojana in rural areas has been studied in this paper. The purposive sampling technique has been used. The study found growth of markets in rural habitations after road connectivity. The shops and commercial establishment of different types was emerged in these habitations which were providing employment as well as catering to the common needs of rural masses. The marketing links were also growing as people could approach markets due to easy accessibility after all weather road connectivity. The mobility of people towards market was increased for commercial transactions. The growth in expenditure on both food and non food items has shown increase in consumption expenditure which was contributing to the growth of markets both in-situ and ex-situ. The study suggests the provision of road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations to reap the benefits of market accessibility and wider choices of goods and services alongwith other benefits of increased income and employment opportunities.

Keywords: Commercial Establishments, Habitations, Employment, Market, Rural Roads