Question.
Explain the inter-regional disparities in the economic development of Uttar Pradesh and discuss the factors acting as obstacles in the development of backward regions.
(UPPSC, UP PCS Mains General Studies-III/GS-3 2018)
Answer.
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India, and also the fourth largest state in terms of geographical areas.
Uttar Pradesh's economy is largely agricultural economy, with low growth of agricultural productivity, causing development disparities between rural and urban areas.
The development planning commission of Uttar Pradesh divided the state into four planning regions, namely
- Western Uttar Pradesh
- Central Uttar Pradesh
- Bundelkhand
- Puruvanchal
The following is some data that explains the developmental disparities in Uttar Pradesh:
Western and Central Uttar Pradesh has witnessed relatively higher levels of economic growth, while the Puruvanchal and Bundelkhand regions of Uttar Pradesh continue to lag behind.
There is a variation of foodgrains productivities also like average foodgrain productivity in western UP and Central UP are about 25.2 and 21.6 quintals per hectare respectively, whereas average foodgrain productivity in Puruvanchal and Bundelkhand is 19.6 and 11.4 quintals per hectare respectively.
There is also variation in the availability and consumption of electricity in these developing regions.
Western Uttar Pradesh has a heavy concentration of micro, small, and medium industries whereas Bundelkhand, and Puruvanchal lag behind it.
This exhibits significant inter-regional disparities in economic development in Uttar Pradesh.
There are several factors that contribute to these inter-regional disparities, and various obstacles hinder the development of backward regions.
The following are some factors for inter-regional disparities-
Infrastructure:
Unequal distribution of infrastructure like road, electricity, and irrigation facilities lead to inter-regional disparities.
There is poor road connectivity, limited access to reliable electricity, inadequate transportation facilities, and deficient irrigation facilities in the Bundelkhand region and Puruvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, which hinder industrial and agricultural growth.
Insufficient infrastructure restricts the inflow of investments, reduces market access, and limits economic activities in this region.
Industrialization and Diversification:
Industrialization plays a crucial role in driving economic growth. However backward regions of Uttar Pradesh like Bundelkhand often lack diverse and robust industrial bases. Limited access to credit, lack of skilled labor, inadequate market linkages, and poor business environment further hinder industrial development in these regions.
Agricultural and Rural Development :
Agriculture forms a significant part of Uttar Pradesh’s economy, particularly in rural areas. However, low agricultural productivity, fragmented landholdings, inadequate irrigation facilities, and lack of modern farming techniques restrict agricultural growth and rural development.
Education and Skill Development:
Education and skill development are crucial for human capital formation and economic progress. Backward regions in Uttar Pradesh often face challenges such as low literacy rates, inadequate educational infrastructure, and limited access to quality education. The lack of skilled workforce hampers industrial growth ad undermines the adoption of advanced technologies, hindering overall development in these regions.
Governance and Administrative factors:
Efficient governance and administration are vital for regional development. Backward regions often face administrative inefficiencies, corruption, and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder progress in the backward region.
Addressing the obstacle and interregional disparities in Uttar Pradesh’s economic development requires a multi-faceted approach.
The following are some potential strategies –
Infrastructure Development:
There is an urgent need to focus on improving connectivity, transportation, power supply, and irrigation facilities to promote investment and economic activities in backward regions.
Industrial and Agricultural Growth:
Encouraging diversified industrial development, promoting small and medium enterprises, and supporting agriculture through modern techniques, irrigation facilities, and access to the market.
Human Capital Development:
Prioritizing education and skill development initiatives to improve literacy rates, enhance employability, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
Rural Development:
Implementing rural developmental programs like poverty alleviation, access to healthcare, sanitation, and social services in backward regions.
Good Governance:
Enhancing governance and administrative efficiency, promoting transparency, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring effective implementation of development policies and programs.
Inclusive developmental Policies :
District-level planning needs to address the regional disparities in Uttar Pradesh on a priority basis.
Designing policies and schemes that specifically target backward regions, ensuring inclusive growth, and reducing regional disparities.
In conclusion, by adopting a comprehensive and targeted approach, we can work towards bridging inter-regional disparities, promoting balanced economic development, and improving the overall well-being of people.
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