Statistical evaluation of development on socio-economic front

Abstract

Special Programmes of socio-economic development have been launched in the country to improve the quality of life in different states. The present study deals with the quantification of developmental efforts effected in various socio-economic fields by constructing composite index of development based on information of fourteen important indicators in seventeen major states of the country. This study has been undertaken over two period of time i.e. 1971-72 and 1981-82 with the objective of examining the significance of change and variability in development. Attempts have also been made to estimate potential targets for the underdeveloped states to bring equity in development. The states of Haryana and Punjab are observed to be better off in socio-economic development where as the states of Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have remained at the low ebb of development during both the periods. The overall level of development is found to be significantly different between the two time periods. Though the various developmental programmes have resulted in an improvement during the second period, its impact appears to have been eroded by the rapid growth of population in most of the states. Special care should be taken to allocate resources optimally on per capita basis for improving the socio-economic conditions of under developed states.