Socio-economic development of Uttar Pradesh: an empirical analysis

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Since the concepts of social and economic development of a nation/region/state is crucial for the development of human resources, the objective of this paper is to examine the socio- economic development of Uttar Pradesh in the post-reform period. Methods/Statistical analysis: The socio-economic profile of Uttar Pradesh has been examined by calculating decadal growth rates, compound annual growth rates, and by constructing appropriate time series plots. Specifically, the economic profile of the state has been presented with the help of real gross state domestic product at factor cost. And, the social aspect of development has been examined with the help of government expenditure on education and health as percentage of gross state domestic product. Findings: The findings of the study reveal a low level of human development, and consequential low level of growth of the economy of Uttar Pradesh. It is uniquely observed that the average performance of all economic as well as social sectors in the state has declined during 2012 and 2015. This observation is sufficient to justify the persistency of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the state. Improvements/Applications: Appropriate policy initiatives are warranted to address the problems of socio-economic backwardness of Uttar Pradesh. Specifically, it is essential to focus on the development of the masses at the bottom of the pyramid.