Q : What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words)

 Question : What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India? (Answer in 250 words)

Approach § Define regional disparity and diversity. § Highlight the differences between regional disparity and diversity. § Discuss the issue of regional disparity in India. § To conclude,suggest measures to address the issues of regional disparity.

Answer

Regional disparity refers to the uneven distribution of economic resources, development, infrastructure, and opportunities across different regions within a country. Diversity refers to the variety of cultural, linguistic, geographical, and social attributes that exist within a population or region.

Key differences between Regional Disparity and Diversity:

Aspect	Regional Disparity	Regional Diversity
Focus	Economic and developmental inequalities (income, education, infrastructure)	Cultural, ethnic, and social variations
Causes	Colonial legacy, Resource distribution, Policy biases.	Natural evolution of communities, migration, trade
Impact	Leads to socio-economic challenges (poverty, unemployment, lack of services).	Enhances creativity, social cohesion, and innovation.

Seriousness of Regional Disparity in India :

• Economic Imbalances: The per capita income of India's five richest states is nearly 338% higher than that of the poorest states
• Educational Disparity: According to the 2011 Census, Kerala has a literacy rate of 96.2%, while Bihar's literacy rate is only 61.8%.
• Healthcare Access: There are only 0.36 hospitals for one lakh people in rural areas whereas it is 3.6 hospitals per one lakh population in urban areas
• Transportation and Connectivity: Developed regions have better transportation networks and connectivity, facilitating trade and mobility.
• Digital Divide: According to the NSSO data, only 24% of rural Indian households have access to the Internet, compared to a 66% penetration in cities.
• Skewed Impact on Migration: As of 2011 census, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were the largest source of inter-state migrants while Maharashtra and Delhi were the largest receiver states.

Conclusion:

The government has introduced several initiatives to address regional disparity in India, including the Backward Regions Grant Fund, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. Addressing these disparities is vital for promoting balanced development and ensuring that all regions can share in the benefits of economic progress and opportunities.