Socio economic development in Haryana- A district level analysis

The standard development theory states that when an economy attains a specified level of growth, agriculture sector gradually starts losing its significance in terms of contribution to national income, whereas industrial and service sector start gaining in terms of their role in the same. Similar is the case with Haryana. From a relatively backward and predominantly agricultural state at the time of its formation in 1966, Haryana has steadily risen to its pre-eminent position in industrial sphere as well. This change is not restricted to growth, but diversification has also taken place on a large scale. Principle occupation in Haryana is agriculture and allied activities. But, over the years the share of agriculture and allied activities has gone down and that of secondary and territory has increased. In this paper an attempt is made to construct a composite index of development for districts of Haryana and to classify the districts into different stages of development such as highly developed district, Moderate developed district and less developed district. Our analysis speaks that the development in state has remained mainly confined to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Gurgaon -Faridabad- Panipat, the districts of Northern Haryana are now far ahead of their Southern counterparts in terms of development.