The present scenario of socio economic condition of Balasore district of Orissa

Population explosion is a major problem of Balasore District in Orissa. The study area is characterized by agriculture based economy. Over-increasing population results in diversification of economic activities. Balasore District has potential for development in the areas of horticulture, cottage and handicrafts and tourism. There is an urgent requirement of some developmental planning. It has been found in the study that there is a substantial gap between demand and supply of health care infrastructure, both physical and manpower, among the blocks of this district. In the district, the percentage of rural population is 89.11% as against 85.01% in Orissa state. Because of huge rural population and high population density, there is requirement of good number of civic amenities and infrastructure in rural areas of this district. Moreover, 73.72% of the total families are Below Poverty Line (BPL) (1997). These BPL families requires intervention in the shape of livelihood, housing, basic amenities etc.The present paper attempts to find out the present status of social and economic development in Balasore district of Orissa.