Title of the article: a review ofthe socio-economic status of rural labour households in India

The study draws upon its results from the secondary data sources, largely based on published Rural Labour Enquiry reports during NSSO (National Sample Survey Organization) Survey 61^st round (2004–05).In India about 66 percent of total labour work force lives in rural areas and more than half of the Rural Households depend on Agriculture for their livelihood. In this regard the study has discussed many critical issues about rural labour families which need immediate attention of the policy makers and civil society, such as, meagre income levels, unemployment, high incidence of rural indebtedness, lack of access to institutional source of credit, small and shrinking size of land holdings etc. “There are many development and safety net programs of central and state governments for rapid poverty reduction to improve their livelihood. There has been meagre improvement in their condition over the years through increase in real wage rate, education of their children, skill up gradation, greater awareness, earning opportunities in and around villages, towns and cities”[1]. The policies should focus on strengthening the complimentary rural institutions, commercialization of agriculture sector, asset creation and broadening of economic base of rural economy; ensuring a well-integrated, developed and organized rural economy especially in terms of employment, income and social security.