AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL SERVICES (EDUCATION AND HEALTH) BY RURAL COMMUNITY IN DISTRICT CHARSADDA

The study was based on a sample survey conducted in three villages of Charsadda District from September to November, 2005. The principle objective ofthe study was to examine availability and utilization of rural social services and the factors hindering the full utilization ofthese services. For this purpose a total of 130 respondents i.e. 17 from Haryana, 38 from Najimabad and 75 from Mehmoodabad were interviewed with the help of a pre-tested interview schedule. The study finds that the various services provided by the government are insufficient and the already available ones are notfully utilized by the rural community. The reasons are manifolds. For example, in the education sector, the major factors were lack of funds and qualified teachers. In the health sector, the health services were not easily accessible and were poorly equipped The study recommends that special attention should be given to the social sector in rural areas by providing them adequate funds, buildings and skill training programmes for education and health professionals