Regional Disparities in Health, Physical, and Economic Parameters: A Decadal Analysis of North Bengal Districts
摘要
This study tries to capture the trajectories of economic growth, inter-regional disparities, and socio-economic backwardness in terms of specific parameters in the districts of North Bengal over a decade. North Bengal has an advantageous location, which includes borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, exhibiting considerable intra-regional disparities. The region has traditionally depended on tea, timber, and tourism, but is progressively shifting towards emerging sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and services. Public utilities such as clean drinking water and sanitation facilities are insufficient, especially in rural regions. Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Cooch Behar perform comparatively better in terms of healthcare services, education, and basic needs parameters due to early investments and institutional development. However, the growth differential between southern districts and districts of the northern part of Bengal has remained pronounced. In contrast, North and South Dinajpur lag with basic amenities and human development metrics and continue to move upward on the development ladder. Malda remains industrially backwards, relying primarily on exports and agriculture, and having the best physical infrastructure compared to other districts of North Bengal. The primary concerns of the Northern region of West Bengal are the low literacy rate and a massive unskilled labour force. The overall composite index values of major socio-economic parameters and economic growth in all North Bengal districts reflect the backwardness of this region’s economy. These results showcase the need for region-specific inclusive policy interventions to address inequalities and promote balanced growth.