The book traces the development of training schemes in India for community development workers. It is divided into four parts which deal with: origin and growth of the Community Development Training Programme; problems encountered and the process of solutions through trial and error; major reorganization of the initial program and the research facilities; and evaluation of what has been achieved. Launched in 1952, the program was intended as a means to raise farm production and income, to change the attitudes and outlook of the rural people, and to build a concept of social cohesion which went beyond family and caste. The program touched every aspect of life (literacy classes, sanitation, farming practices, improved roads, etc.). The basic unit on which the program hinges is the community development block, comprising about 100 villages. Emphasis is placed on more training for new and old staff personnel through refresher training and ad hoc courses for certain categories of personnel so as to improve their professional competence on a larger scale. (PT)