Development Disparities in Odisha

Description

This book examines the multidimensional concept of development and analyzes regional development disparities at the district level. The study explores how development encompasses economic, social, political, legal, institutional, and environmental dimensions, moving beyond simple increases in Gross National Product to include human development, poverty reduction, and sustainability. The text reviews various theoretical development paradigms—including classical, Keynesian-Kaleckian, and Marxian models—alongside different planning approaches and strategies. Furthermore, the book investigates the theoretical and practical foundations of regional planning by defining the characteristics of planning regions, classifying them into macro, meso, and micro levels, and examining the economic traits of backward regions. Structurally, the volume provides a comprehensive socio-economic and geophysical profile of Odisha and its districts, followed by detailed empirical investigations into regional disparities in agricultural development, industrial growth, basic infrastructure and services, and overall development. Finally, it offers summaries, conclusions, and suggestions to address these developmental imbalances.