Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Regional disparity refers to the uneven distribution of economic, social, and political opportunities across different regions within a country. It’s a common feature of large and diverse nations like India. While often conflated, regional disparity differs significantly from diversity. Diversity celebrates the co-existence of different cultures, languages, and identities, enriching the nation. Disparity, however, points to imbalances in development and access to resources. The issue of regional disparity in India is deeply entrenched, stemming from historical factors, geographical variations, and policy choices, and continues to pose a significant challenge to inclusive growth and national integration.
Understanding Regional Disparity and its Difference from Diversity
Regional Disparity: This signifies the unequal levels of development across different regions within a country. It manifests in variations in income, poverty rates, access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. It’s a quantitative measure of imbalance.
Diversity: This refers to the presence of a wide range of differences – cultural, ethnic, linguistic, religious, and socio-economic – within a population. It’s a qualitative aspect, representing the richness and variety of a nation. Diversity doesn’t inherently imply inequality; it’s the unequal *access* to opportunities *within* diverse regions that creates disparity.
Extent of Regional Disparity in India
Economic Disparity
India exhibits significant economic disparities between states. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI, 2022-23), the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Maharashtra is significantly higher than that of Bihar. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh contribute disproportionately to India’s GDP, while states in the North-East and Eastern India lag behind. This is reflected in per capita income differences. The manufacturing sector is concentrated in certain regions, leading to uneven job creation.
Social Disparity
Social indicators also reveal stark regional disparities. Literacy rates vary considerably, with Kerala having the highest literacy rate and Bihar the lowest (as per the National Family Health Survey-5, 2019-21). Access to healthcare is also uneven, with states like Kerala and Punjab having better healthcare infrastructure and outcomes than states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Social indicators like infant mortality rate (IMR) and maternal mortality rate (MMR) also show significant regional variations.
Infrastructural Disparity
Infrastructure development is another area where regional disparities are prominent. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat have well-developed road, rail, and port infrastructure, facilitating economic activity. However, states in the North-East and hilly regions suffer from poor connectivity and inadequate infrastructure, hindering their development. Access to electricity, clean water, and sanitation also varies significantly across regions. The density of banking infrastructure also differs significantly, impacting financial inclusion.
Factors Contributing to Regional Disparity
- Historical Factors: Colonial policies and uneven investment patterns have contributed to regional imbalances.
- Geographical Factors: Variations in resource endowment, climate, and terrain influence development potential.
- Policy Factors: Central planning and industrial policies have sometimes favored certain regions over others.
- Political Factors: Political instability and governance issues in some regions hinder investment and development.
Consequences of Regional Disparity
- Social unrest and Naxalism: Economic deprivation and social exclusion can fuel social unrest and extremist movements.
- Migration: People migrate from less developed regions to more developed ones in search of opportunities, leading to urban congestion and strain on resources.
- Hindered National Growth: Uneven development limits the overall economic potential of the country.
- Increased Inequality: Regional disparities exacerbate income inequality and social stratification.
Efforts to Reduce Regional Disparity
The Indian government has implemented various schemes and policies to address regional disparities:
- Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF): Aimed at providing financial assistance to backward districts.
- North East Special Plan: Focused on accelerating development in the North-Eastern region.
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Yojana (PMKSY): Addresses irrigation needs in water-stressed regions.
- Goods and Services Tax (GST): While intended to create a common market, its implementation requires careful consideration to avoid exacerbating regional imbalances.
Conclusion
Regional disparity remains a serious issue in India, hindering inclusive growth and national integration. While diversity is a strength, the unequal distribution of opportunities within diverse regions creates significant challenges. Addressing this requires a multi-pronged approach, including targeted investments in backward regions, improved infrastructure, skill development programs, and policies that promote equitable distribution of resources. A long-term vision focused on balanced regional development is crucial for realizing India’s full potential and ensuring a more just and equitable society.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.