A Paradox of India's North-South Divide

Posted on: July 09 2009 | Author: megha | Comments:1

This paper argues that the gap between the southern and northern states of India has widened significantly in recent years in terms of per capita income and poverty reduction. It examines the factors underlying this phenomenon and divides them into proximate and foundational factors. Analysis of the historical data for over four decades shows that the gap between the two regions was much smaller at the outset and that the north had a head start in some areas. A major finding is that though the south was somewhat better placed in terms of initial conditions for over two decades, it was only in the post-liberalization period that it could realize their potential and surge forward.

The report can be found here:

http://www.pacindia.org/publications/North%20south%20paper-preJun18-seminar.pdf

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