A strategy for developing micro-regions

A uniform macro-sectoral development strategy for all the regions is far from appropriate for reducing regional disparities in a large country with vast regional differences. Only its integration with region specific micro-level development strategy taking care of requirements, resources and potentials of a particular region can deliver the goods. The micro-level planning thus becomes an imperative for checking the regional variations in the levels of economic development. The aim of the study is to suggest appropriate strategy for developing micro regions.1 The State of Rajasthan (India) has been selected for the purpose of illustration. The State economy is divided into ten sectors and a number of develolpment indicators are chosen. The levels of development of various regions are ascertained by computing sectoral and composite indices of development using the principal component model. This is followed by an examination of the dimensions and typology of development/backwardness.2 Using the levels, dimensions and typlogy, the different regions are brought under seven homogeneous groups (i.e. homogeneous planning regions) so as to bring them under the perview of a common policy. This analysis helped evolving different development strategies for different regions in accordance with their need and potential. _____________________________________________________________________ *The data required for the study are drawn from a wider study conducted by the author :"Analysis of Micro-Regional Disparities in Rajasthan and Strategy for Development", Classic Publishing House, New Delhi, 1997. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTES 1. Micro-Region in this study refers to tehsil which is sub-division of a district. 2. By dimensions of development/backwardness is meant the development that is taking place in a number of sectors. Thus one dimension could be that all sectors in a regions are backward, another could be uni-sector development and still another multisector development. Typology referes to the type of development whether a region is agriculturally developed or industrially developed and so on. An analysis of dimensions helps regional planner adopt differential strategies of development and formulate sectoral plans. A study of typology is important while planning for a region as it helps assigning priorities to the sectors that are backward or whose backwardness is hindering the over all development of the region. The study finds relationship between levels and dimensions as also between levels and typology of development as both undergo changes with the level of development.