Answer

Regional disparity refers to the unequal distribution of resources, development, and opportunities across different regions within a country, leading to imbalances in economic growth and living standards. Unlike diversity, which celebrates differences in culture and geography, disparity highlights inequalities. In India, regional disparity is a significant issue, with stark contrasts between prosperous areas and underdeveloped regions.

Regional Disparity:

• It refers to the unequal distribution of resources, infrastructure, and development across different regions. This disparity affects economic growth, social development, and quality of life, creating a gap between developed and underdeveloped regions.
  For example: Despite government initiatives, states like Maharashtra and Gujarat have surged ahead in terms of industrialization, while regions like Northeast India continue to lag, resulting in widening economic imbalances.
  • Economic Inequality: Regional disparity manifests as economic inequality where certain regions are more prosperous than others.
    For example: Maharashtra’s per capita income is significantly higher than Odisha’s, reflecting the industrial growth imbalance.
  • Infrastructure Gap: Disparity is visible in the infrastructure development between regions, affecting connectivity and access to basic amenities.
    For example: Western India, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, boasts superior infrastructure compared to the underdeveloped regions of Eastern India.
  • Resource Distribution: Regions with natural resources may still remain underdeveloped if proper investment and industrialization do not occur.
    For example: Jharkhand, rich in coal reserves, lags behind industrialised Gujarat in economic growth.
  • Educational Opportunities: Access to quality education varies greatly between regions, contributing to uneven human capital development.
    For example: Delhi and Bangalore offer better educational opportunities compared to rural areas in Jharkhand, Orissa.
  • Urban-Rural Divide: The disparity between urban and rural areas within the same state highlights regional imbalance.
    For example: Urban Maharashtra like Mumbai is far more developed compared to rural Vidarbha, which faces agrarian distress.

Difference Between Regional Disparity and Diversity:

• Economic vs Cultural Focus: Regional disparity deals with economic development, while diversity focuses on cultural differences like language and traditions.
  For example: Kerala’s high literacy contrasts with Uttar Pradesh’s lower development, showing regional disparity. Yet, both states exhibit cultural diversity through distinct cultures—Malayalam-speaking Kerala and Hindi-speaking Uttar Pradesh.
• Measurable vs Abstract: Disparity can be quantified through measurable indicators like GDP, literacy, and health, whereas diversity is more abstract, encompassing cultural richness and pluralism.
• Inclusive vs Exclusive: Diversity is inclusive and celebrated, while disparity is exclusive and results in inequity.
  For example: The Northeast is culturally rich and diverse, yet economically disadvantaged compared to other parts of India.
• Positive vs Negative Connotation: While diversity highlights rich heritage, disparity reflects economic backwardness and inequality.
• Policy Implications: Addressing diversity may require cultural policies, while disparity needs economic interventions like special packages.
  For instance: Affirmative policies celebrate regional diversity, while special economic packages address disparities.

Seriousness of the Issue of Regional Disparity in India:

• North-South Divide: The income gap between northern and southern states highlights serious regional disparities.
  For example: GDP per capita income of southern states is significantly higher than most of India’s northern states, reflecting north-south gap.In 2023-24, Telangana’s per capita income stood at 6% of the national average, whereas Bihar’s per capita income was almost one-third of the national average.
• Industrial Disparity: Despite its natural resource wealth, Chhattisgarh faces industrial disparity due to inadequate infrastructure and investment, falling behind more industrialised states like Haryana and Punjab in terms of development.
• Agrarian Crisis: Regions with agrarian distress continue to suffer, while others experience economic growth.
  For example: The Vidarbha region in Maharashtra is plagued by high farmer suicides, contrasting with the prosperity of Western Maharashtra.
• Regional Unrest: Disparity often fuels regional unrest and insurgencies due to perceived neglect in development efforts.
  For example: Insurgencies in Nagaland and Manipur are partly attributed to the lack of development in these regions.
• Migration Issues: Disparities cause mass migration from underdeveloped regions to more prosperous ones, straining urban infrastructure.
  For instance: Due to underdevelopment and lack of job opportunities in Odisha, many workers migrate to Gujarat‘s industrial hubs like Surat and Ahmedabad.

Way Ahead to Address Regional Disparity in India:

• Balanced Regional Development Policies: Formulating policies that target balanced growth across regions can help reduce disparity.
• Boosting Infrastructure in Lagging Regions: Investment in infrastructure projects like roads, ports, and railways can improve connectivity and economic opportunities.
  For example: Projects like Bharatmala focus on developing infrastructure in underdeveloped regions.
• Encouraging Private Investment: Incentivizing the private sector to invest in backward regions can foster industrial growth and job creation.
  For example: The North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi) encourages private sector investment in the Northeast.
• Empowering Local Governance: Strengthening local governance through decentralisation can ensure that development policies are tailored to regional needs.
  For example: The Kerala Model of Decentralization empowers local bodies to address region-specific challenges.
• Focused Skill Development Programs: Implementing skill development programs tailored to the needs of underdeveloped regions can create jobs and improve the economy.
  For example: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focuses on training individuals for employability in lagging regions.

Regional disparity remains a serious challenge in India’s development journey, with vast differences in economic growth, infrastructure, and social development across regions. Addressing these disparities requires holistic policies, increased private investment, and decentralised governance. By fostering inclusive growth and ensuring equitable access to resources, India can bridge the gap between its developed and underdeveloped regions, ensuring balanced and sustainable development for all.

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