Subject: Indian Society

India's socio-economic landscape exhibits significant regional disparities, evident from the stark contrast between states like Tamil Nadu with 9.69% growth rate and economically challenged regions, reflecting the complex interplay of historical, geographical, and policy factors in shaping development outcomes.

Understanding Regional Disparity vs Diversity

Regional Disparity

• Refers to uneven development and inequitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and economic growth across different regions.
• Manifested through variations in per capita income, infrastructure development, and access to basic services.
• Creates economic imbalances leading to migration, as seen in developed states attracting workforce from less developed regions.

Diversity

• Represents natural, cultural, and social variations that make each region unique.
• Encompasses linguistic differences, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge systems.
• Adds to India's rich heritage and should be preserved rather than eliminated.

Severity of Regional Disparity in India

Economic Indicators

• Inter-state growth variations: As of 2023-24, Delhi’s per capita income is 2.5 times the national average, while states like Bihar have one of the lowest per capita incomes.
• The five richest states had a per capita income 338% higher than the poorest states in 2017–18.
• Uneven distribution of industrial clusters and economic opportunities across regions.

Social Parameters

• Disparities in educational infrastructure and outcomes across states.
• Variations in healthcare facilities and health indicators.
• Different levels of women's participation in workforce and decision-making.

Infrastructure Gap

• Uneven development of physical infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports.
• Digital divide between urban and rural areas.
• Disparities in access to basic amenities like electricity and clean water.

Development Challenges

• Resource allocation: Some states facing constraints in budget allocation for development projects.
• Brain drain from less developed to more developed regions.
• Growing urban-rural divide within states.

The severity of regional disparity in India requires a multi-pronged approach through initiatives like NITI Aayog's Aspirational Districts Programme and PM Gati Shakti to ensure balanced regional development and inclusive growth across all states.