Convergent growth

Making lower-growth states part of a national value chain is an imperative, but difficult because of political rivalry

The prime minister’s August 15 speech spoke of a united and integrated India as one of the five focuses for policy in the years ahead to the centenary of independence. However, the disparity in the growth and development performance of states will stand in the way of this very necessary goal. Can this disparity be corrected?

The data on income growth suggests a two-fold division of states. The low-growth states are in the northern, eastern, and central parts of the country (1)  (NEC group) and the higher-growth states are in the south, west, and north-west of the country (2) (SWNW group).