One of the most distinctive features of Indian society is its division into

various caste groups. Membership in the caste group is conferred by birth. The

members of each caste, residing in specific areas, have common customs and more or

less a similar way of life. There is a variation in the kind and number of castes but due

to hierarchical stratification, the highest and lowest caste is easily identifiable. The

Brahmins are considered to be the higher caste and the lowest rank in the caste

hierarchy was called the lower castes. Under this research, the researcher has mainly

focused on the Scheduled Castes among the lower caste. The present research

attempted to examine the changing socio-cultural practices among SCs and the role of

various rural development programmes in the Prayagraj districts of Eastern Uttar

Pradesh.