In 1952 Community development programmes started.A tehsil was divided into many blocks for administrative purposes. These blocks were in direct contact with the Villagers and could get the development programmes implemented quickly and effectively. B.D.O is the main coordinator who implements the development programmes at the block level. He is a govt. servant selected by the state public service commission. He functions as an agent of the state govt. under the supervision of the Tehsildar. He is closely related to the Panchayati Raj system. He acts as the secretary of the block level Panchayat Samiti.

I. Functions of the Block Development Officer:

1. To convene the meetings of the block Samiti, to prepare its agenda and keep its records.

2. To prepare the budget at the block level. 

3. To prepare a programme for the development work and to assist in its implementation.

4. He supervises the work of the different agencies like Agriculture, Fisheries, Cattle Stock etc.

II. B.D.O has two main functions: 

1. Development management.

2. Management of Panchayat Samiti.

He is mainly instrumental in getting the development work done at the block level and to submit its progress report to the officials of the Zila Parishad and District Collector.He is responsible for the development programmes concerning irrigation and road construction, etc.He has to look after the schemes which help the scheduled caste and scheduled tribes.B.D.Os position is no more a bed of roses as he is always under pressure of the local leaders,villagers and the members of the Panchayat.He has to compromise with many difficulties and keep his development programmes properly implemented.