REGIONAL INEQUALITY IN INDIA: A STATE LEVEL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This paper tries to understand the nature and extent of inequality across states of India with special reference to Bihar. This study is based on secondary data collected from various sources including, NSSO, NFHS and other government/non-government documents and reports. The study analyse inequalities under four themes; livelihood, education, health and gender. The analysis finds that, however some positive changes can be seen in terms of enrolment in primary education, but still productivity of education is lowest in Bihar. State government has invested money in attracting students to government schools, but because of low per capita expenditure on education, access to facilities like computer in schools is the lowest in Bihar. In case of health expenditure people of Bihar has to bear significantly higher per capita out of pocket expenditure. Though, Bihar has achieved higher growth in the last couple of years but, still the level of female empowerment is very low in the state. Thus, this study finds that Bihar is still at lowest position in all four themes across states of India and, people of this state is facing grim challenges related to livelihood, quality education and health.