Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
Q. 18. Despite comprehensive policies for equity and social justice, underprivileged sections are not yet getting the full benefits of affirmative action envisaged by the Constitution. Comment.
Regional disparity remains a significant socio-economic challenge in India’s development narrative, creating structural imbalances that potentially threaten national integration and inclusive growth. As revealed by the working paper “Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24” by Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), these geographical inequalities have persisted and in some cases deepened despite decades of planning and interventions.
Understanding Regional Disparity
Regional disparity refers to the unequal distribution of resources, wealth, opportunities, and development across different regions within a country. It manifests as significant differences in income, living standards, infrastructure, and access to basic services like healthcare and education across geographical areas. This phenomenon arises when certain regions experience substantial economic growth while others lag behind in terms of infrastructure, employment, and access to essential services.
The causes of regional disparity in India are multidimensional:
Historical Factors
Certain regions were historically neglected or exploited during colonial times, leaving them underdeveloped. British policies favored resource-rich areas like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai, creating economic disparities that persist today.
Geographical Factors
Natural resources, climate, and geography significantly influence regional prosperity. Difficult terrain (particularly in North-Eastern states) increases administration and project costs, while frequent floods in states like Bihar and Assam impede development.
Economic Factors
States with higher industrialization and a larger proportion of their workforce in manufacturing and services sectors typically demonstrate higher income levels compared to those predominantly dependent on agriculture. Maharashtra and Gujarat, for instance, show higher per capita income than Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Governance Factors
Political instability and poor governance discourage investment and lead to capital flight from underdeveloped regions. Quality governance systems established in historically developed states cannot be easily transferred across regions.
Regional Disparity vs. Diversity
It is crucial to distinguish between regional disparity and diversity:
| Aspect | Regional Disparity | Diversity |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities (negative connotation) | Existence of varied cultural, linguistic, and social differences (positive connotation) |
| Basis | Primarily economic and developmental, focusing on growth gaps | Rooted in cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and social variety |
| Examples | Economic gaps between Maharashtra and Bihar; urban vs. rural areas | Linguistic diversity (Hindi, Tamil, Bengali); cultural festivals (Diwali, Bihu) |
| Nature | Leads to grievances for equitable development | Celebrates coexistence of various identities |
| Effects | Causes political instability and social unrest | Enhances cultural richness but may lead to identity conflicts |
While India’s cultural diversity includes over 2,000 distinct ethnic groups, the infrastructure gap in education and health between Kerala and Bihar exemplifies regional disparity.
Severity of Regional Disparity in India
Recent studies highlight concerning trends in India’s regional economic landscape:
Economic Performance Disparities
Delhi’s per capita income stands at 250.8% of the national average (2.5 times higher)
Five southern states (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) contributed over 30% of India’s GDP in 2023-24
Western states have consistently performed well, while southern states have shown remarkable growth post-1991 economic liberalization
Declining Fortunes
West Bengal’s economic position has drastically fallen from being 27% above the national average (3rd highest in 1960-61) to just 83.7% of the national average currently
West Bengal’s share in India’s GDP has declined from 10.5% in 1960-61 to merely 5.6% in 2023-24
Divergent Growth Trajectories
Punjab and Haryana show striking divergence—Punjab’s per capita income fell from 119.6% in 1960-61 to 106.7% in 2023-24, while Haryana’s rose from 106.9% to 176.8% in the same period
This raises questions about whether Punjab’s agricultural focus contributed to a form of “Dutch disease,” hindering its industrialization
Maritime Advantage
Maritime states have generally outperformed landlocked states, with West Bengal being a notable exception
This underscores the importance of geographical advantages in economic development
Addressing Regional Disparity
To mitigate regional disparities, India must implement multifaceted approaches:
Tailored Development Strategies
Programs targeting specific regional needs like Hilly Area Development and Drought Prone Area Development should replace one-size-fits-all approaches.
Infrastructure Development
Improving basic infrastructure in smaller cities and rural areas through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana can facilitate balanced regional growth.
Economic Initiatives
Establishing Special Economic Zones in underdeveloped regions and enhancing support for MSMEs through subsidies and easier credit access can stimulate local economies.
Governance Reforms
Strengthening governance in backward states would help raise revenues, attract investment, and improve resource utilization.
Conclusion
Regional disparity remains a serious concern for India’s balanced development and equitable growth. The persistent and widening gaps between states threaten national integration and inclusive progress. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions tailored to the specific needs of underdeveloped regions, coupled with strengthened governance and strategic economic planning. Only through concerted efforts toward balanced regional development can India harness its diverse potential and ensure that growth benefits all citizens regardless of their geographical location.
