Question

Write short note.

Causes of regional imbalance

Write a short note on the following:

Causes of regional imbalance in India.

Answer 1

1. Physical factors like location, relief, altitude, availability of resources, accessibility, etc., are responsible for imbalanced regional development.
2. While some regions have a better position in terms of geographical location, mineral and other natural resources, others may lag behind. e.g., the states in the Himalayan region and several north-eastern states located in difficult terrains (surrounded by hills and dense forests) are behind other regions, which have better access to mineral and other resources.
3. Regions that have ports and airports also have an advantage over other regions. 
4. Adverse climate and vulnerability to disasters are also responsible for the poor rate of development. This in turn may result in low agricultural productivity and lack of industrialisation, creating regional imbalance.
5. Differences in the distribution of human factors such as skilled labour, technology, transportation, access to markets, communication facilities, power, banking, and insurance, etc., also contribute to regional imbalance. e.g., Due to inadequacy of these factors, the Himalayan regions like North- Eastern Region, Himachal Pradesh, etc., are less developed as compared to other regions.
6. Additionally, investments made by the private sector are generally concentrated in regions with better infrastructural facilities. It influences the government’s decision to locate industries and various projects, which further aggravates regional imbalance.