Regional disparity refers to the unequal distribution of economic resources, development, and opportunities across different regions within a country. It results in significant differences in income, living standards, infrastructure, and employment levels across areas.
Difference between regional disparity and diversity
| Aspect | Regional Disparity | Diversity |
| Definition | unequal distribution of resources, wealth, and opportunities across different regions of a country. (negative) | existence of varied cultural, linguistic, economic, and social differences within a society or region. (positive) |
| Basis | Economic: Primarily economic and developmental, focusing on gaps in growth between regions. | Cultural: Rooted in cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and social differences. |
| Examples in India | The per capita income of the five richest states in India was 338% higher than that of the bottom states in 2017-18. | India has 122 officially recognized languages, but there are more than 19,500 languages and dialects spoken as a mother tongue. |
| Nature of Issue | Exclusive: Leads to grievances and demands for equitable development and resources, like special category status. | Inclusive: Celebrates coexistence of different identities and is not necessarily viewed as problematic. |
| Effects | Creates political instability, demand for autonomy, and social unrest in underdeveloped regions. | Enhances cultural richness and plurality, but can also lead to identity-based conflicts if not managed properly. |
| Solutions | Balanced regional development through schemes like NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Districts Program, and increasing focus on backward regions to reduce disparities. | Promoting inter-cultural understanding, protection of minority languages, and celebrating diversity through national initiatives. |
Seriousness of issue of regional disparity in India
A report titled ‘Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24’ by Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has highlighted a significant disparity in the economic performance of Indian states
- The economic divide between northern and southern states – 5 Southern states have emerged as major contributors to India’s GDP, accounting for 30% by March 2024. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh contributes only 9.5% of GDP and Bihar just 4.3%.
- Industrial and connectivity Disparity: The Western and Southern regions have strong transport and logistics networks while northeastern states have poor connectivity.
- Agrarian Crisis in regions like Vidarbha due to inadequate irrigation, lack of access to credit, and market fluctuations, where high rates of farmer suicides are reported, is a stark contrast to the agricultural prosperity found in Western Maharashtra.
- Educational and Health Facilities: Kerala boasts a literacy rate of 96.2% and a Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.79, one of the highest in India. Bihar, on the other hand, has a literacy rate of just 70.9% (Census 2011) and a high infant mortality rate (IMR) of 35 per 1,000 live births (SRS 2020), compared to Kerala’s IMR of 6.
- Insurgencies,demands for autonomy and regional unrest, particularly in states like Nagaland and Manipur, often stem from feelings of neglect and underdevelopment.
- Migration Issues: The heavy influx of migrants from states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to metropolitan cities such as Mumbai reflects economic desperation. Migrants often face precarious living conditions, limited access to services, and employment challenges, which can strain urban resources and infrastructure.
Impact of Regional Disparity
| Human Geographist Sucheta Yadav in her article “The Problem of Regional Disparities: An Overview in Indian Context” noted- Regional imbalances lead to various consequences, including agitations for statehood, such as the movements for separate Vidarbha and Bodoland. Migration from backward to developed areas occurs in search of better livelihoods, while social unrest arises from disparities, exemplified by Naxalism. Urbanization causes housing shortages and pollution in metropolitan cities, while rural youth face frustration due to limited job opportunities. Accumulating wealth in developed regions further exacerbates these imbalances, leaving less developed areas behind. |
Way forward
- Enhance Agricultural Investment, particularly in lagging regions, focusing on water harvesting, soil conservation, rural infrastructure, and high-value crops to stimulate economic growth and reduce disparities. Eg. need for evergreen revolution especially in backward states.
- Prioritize Service Sector Growth: Promote the banking, insurance, and infrastructure sectors in backward regions, as they are vital for economic acceleration and can create job opportunities.
- Upgrade Basic Infrastructure such as power, transport, telecommunications, and irrigation in underdeveloped states to enhance the quality of life and attract private investment. Eg. Bharatmala, promotion of renewable energy.
- Revise Financial Resource Allocation: Shift the allocation formula for centrally collected resources to prioritize population size and backwardness indices, ensuring funds are directed toward the most disadvantaged districts rather than evenly distributed.
- Focus on Governance Quality: Strengthen governance in backward states to improve revenue generation and project execution, thereby creating a conducive environment for attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
India’s regional diversity reveals significant disparities in development, emphasizing the need for inclusive growth strategies that honor its rich cultural tapestry while addressing economic inequalities across various regions.
