Inter-state disparities in social sector of north-east India

Regional disparities are simple expression of economic dualism. It indicates the co-existence of comparatively developed and economically backward or depressed regions or states. Regional disparities may be located inter-state or intra-state and they may be total or sectoral in nature. The present study highlights regional disparities in social sector. Development of social sector comprising health, education, nutrition, housing and water supply are the instrumental factors for substantial improvement in human resource development. Thus investment in social sector is a key to increase overall productivity. To measure regional disparities in social sector, we used four variables as literacy rate, infant mortality rate, unemployment rate and population below poverty line. On the basis of these selected variables and by using secondary data, the present study seeks to measure the levels of development and the degree of disparities between the states of North-East India.