Gender analysis of BIMARU states

The present study attempts to analyse the existing gender disparities in BIMARU (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) states. For this purpose, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Gender related Development Index (GDI) has been computed for all the four states for the year 2014. The GDI is a composite index which measures the gender gap in three major dimension indices, that is, longevity, educational attainment and Income levels between Men and Women. The selected indices and collection of gender disaggregated data in GDI helps to find out and meet the data gaps to abridge the gender differences and policy analysis. BIMARU states have been traditionally considered as homogeneous group of laggard states characterized by poor performance in the socio- economic indicators and slow demographic transition compared to the national average. The result shows that the GDI score of the BIMARU states have reasonably improved from 0.50 in 2006 to 0.58 in 2014, a rise of 16%. Overall Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh have performed quite good compared to their counterparts Bihar & Uttar Pradesh.The policy formulation at both the centre and state level should focus on gender mainstreaming and gender planning. So, that the trickledown effect of Development enhances Women's capabilities and ensures gender equality.