QUES . Why do disparities in development and incomes between regions persist in large countries like India ? How does the recent ADP plan address the issue?
HINTS:
Disparities in development and incomes between regions persist in large countries like India due to a variety of factors. These factors include historical legacies of colonialism, uneven distribution of resources, varying levels of investment in infrastructure and human capital, and political factors such as corruption and regionalism.
India has made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving human development indicators, but these gains have not been evenly distributed across the country. Some regions, particularly in the north and east, have lagged behind in terms of economic growth and development. This has resulted in persistent disparities in income and quality of life, which have contributed to social and political tensions.
In recent years, the Indian government has taken steps to address these regional disparities through the Accelerated Development Program (ADP) plan. The ADP plan is a flagship program launched by the Indian government in 2017, aimed at accelerating economic development in the country’s 115 most backward districts.
Under the ADP plan, the government has allocated significant resources to these districts, including funding for infrastructure projects, agricultural development, and skill-building programs. The plan also emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address specific challenges faced by each district.
The ADP plan has several features that are designed to address the underlying causes of regional disparities in development and income. For example, the plan emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships to promote economic growth and job creation in these backward districts. It also emphasizes the need for investment in education and skill-building to improve human capital and reduce poverty.
Overall, while it is too early to evaluate the impact of the ADP plan fully, it is a significant step toward addressing regional disparities in development and income in India. However, given the scale of the challenge, sustained investment and policy interventions will be needed to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and development are shared more evenly across the country.
