Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Developmental planning, at its core, aims to reduce regional disparities and promote balanced growth across a nation. It involves strategic allocation of resources and implementation of policies tailored to the specific needs and potential of different regions. In the Indian context, this is particularly crucial given the vast geographical and socio-economic diversity. The selection of regions for developmental planning isn’t arbitrary; it’s guided by a set of criteria designed to identify areas most in need of intervention and those with the greatest potential for contributing to national growth. These criteria encompass economic indicators, social factors, environmental considerations, and political feasibility.
Economic Criteria
Economic criteria form the cornerstone of regional developmental planning. These focus on assessing the economic potential and existing levels of development.
- Per Capita Income: Regions with significantly lower per capita income compared to the national average are prioritized. This indicates a lower standard of living and greater need for economic upliftment.
- Level of Industrialization: Areas with limited industrial activity and a predominantly agrarian economy often require focused industrial development policies.
- Infrastructure Development: The availability of essential infrastructure – roads, railways, power, irrigation, and communication networks – is a crucial determinant. Regions lacking adequate infrastructure are considered for priority investment.
- Employment Rate & Unemployment Rate: High unemployment rates and low labor participation rates signal economic distress and necessitate employment-generating schemes.
- Resource Endowment: Regions rich in natural resources (minerals, forests, water) but lacking the capacity to exploit them sustainably are prime candidates for developmental planning.
Example: The Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), launched in 2006, focused on 256 districts identified based on economic backwardness, using indicators like per capita income and infrastructure deficit.
Social Criteria
Social criteria address the human development aspects of a region, recognizing that economic growth alone isn’t sufficient for overall well-being.
- Literacy Rate & Educational Attainment: Low literacy rates and limited access to quality education hinder economic progress and social mobility.
- Health Indicators: Measures like infant mortality rate (IMR), maternal mortality rate (MMR), and access to healthcare facilities are critical indicators of social development.
- Social Inclusion: The presence of marginalized communities (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities) and their access to opportunities are important considerations.
- Human Development Index (HDI): Regions with low HDI scores, reflecting poor performance across health, education, and income dimensions, require focused attention.
- Gender Ratio & Female Empowerment: Skewed sex ratios and limited opportunities for women are indicators of social inequality.
Example: The Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) focuses on improving social indicators like health and education in 115 districts, prioritizing those with the lowest rankings in these areas.
Environmental Criteria
Sustainable development necessitates incorporating environmental considerations into regional planning.
- Ecological Fragility: Regions prone to natural disasters (floods, droughts, landslides) or with fragile ecosystems (forests, coastal areas) require special attention to mitigate risks and promote environmental sustainability.
- Environmental Degradation: Areas suffering from pollution (air, water, soil), deforestation, or loss of biodiversity are prioritized for environmental remediation.
- Climate Change Vulnerability: Regions highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (sea-level rise, extreme weather events) need adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- Availability of Natural Resources: Sustainable management of natural resources is crucial. Regions facing resource scarcity require conservation efforts.
Example: The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019) aims to regulate development activities in coastal areas to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem.
Political & Administrative Criteria
Political and administrative factors also play a role in selecting regions for developmental planning.
- Political Stability: Regions with political instability or conflict require special attention to ensure effective implementation of development programs.
- Administrative Capacity: The capacity of local administrative machinery to implement and monitor development projects is crucial.
- Accessibility & Connectivity: Regions with poor accessibility and connectivity pose challenges for development interventions.
- Local Participation & Ownership: Ensuring local participation and ownership of development initiatives is essential for their success.
- Strategic Importance: Regions with strategic importance (border areas, areas with potential for tourism) may receive priority attention.
Example: The North Eastern Region (NER) receives special attention due to its strategic location, unique socio-cultural characteristics, and developmental challenges.
| Criteria | Indicators | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Per Capita Income, Industrialization, Infrastructure | Foundation for growth & poverty reduction |
| Social | Literacy Rate, Health Indicators, HDI | Human development & social equity |
| Environmental | Ecological Fragility, Pollution Levels, Climate Vulnerability | Sustainable development & resource conservation |
| Political/Administrative | Political Stability, Administrative Capacity, Accessibility | Effective implementation & local ownership |
Conclusion
Selecting regions for developmental planning requires a holistic and integrated approach, considering economic, social, environmental, and political criteria. A mere focus on economic indicators is insufficient; social equity, environmental sustainability, and good governance are equally important. Effective regional planning necessitates a nuanced understanding of local contexts, participatory approaches, and long-term vision. The success of initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme and BRGF demonstrates the potential of targeted interventions, but sustained efforts and adaptive strategies are crucial for achieving balanced and inclusive development across all regions of India.
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.