Criteria for Selection of Sample Districts

This section outlines the criteria used for selecting sample districts in Assam for the study of sustainable rural non-farm employment opportunities and development. The selection is based on various factors, including agricultural dependency, industrial presence, and socio-economic indicators.

1. Agricultural Dependency

Assam's economy is predominantly agricultural, with significant portions of the population relying on farming as their primary source of income. The criteria for agricultural dependency are based on the percentage of the workforce engaged in agriculture.

District	Agricultural Dependency (%)	Key Crop
Golaghat	62.5	Tea
Jorhat	55.0	Rice
Nagaon	68.0	Rice

Source: District Census Handbook, Assam, 2011.

2. Industrial Presence

The presence of industries in a district significantly influences non-farm employment opportunities. Districts with a higher number of registered small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are prioritized.

District	Number of SMEs	Key Industries
Dibrugarh	850	Tea, Oil & Gas
Kamrup Metropolitan	1200	Retail, IT
Sivasagar	600	Oil & Gas

Source: Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Assam, 2020.

3. Socio-Economic Indicators

Socio-economic indicators such as literacy rate, employment rate, and poverty level are critical for assessing the potential for sustainable non-farm employment. Districts with higher literacy and lower poverty rates are prioritized.

District	Literacy Rate (%)	Poverty Rate (%)
Guwahati (Kamrup Metropolitan)	89.0	14.0
Assam (State Average)	85.0	31.0
Sonitpur	83.0	28.0

Source: Assam Economic Survey, 2021.

4. Government Reports and Initiatives

The Government of Assam has implemented various schemes to promote non-farm employment. Reports from the Assam Skill Development Mission indicate efforts in skill training and entrepreneurship development across selected districts.

Key Initiatives

• Self-Employment and Skill Development Program (SESDP)
• Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM)
• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

Conclusion

By focusing on these criteria—agricultural dependency, industrial presence, and socio-economic indicators—this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of sustainable non-farm employment opportunities in selected districts of Assam. The data collected will serve as a foundation for future policy recommendations and developmental strategies.

Analytical Framework for Rural Non-Farm Employment Generation in Assam 

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