Has Odisha become less poor in the last decade?

Abstract

Though there has been overall economic progress in India in the post-reform period, it has not been uniform across the country. This article points out that contrary to popular perception, Odisha gradually improved its relative economic position in the second half of the post-reform period. This is evident both in terms of per capita income and key socio-economic indicators. A household survey undertaken to assess the situation at the grass-roots level also corroborates this. An analysis of the information from the survey also suggests that good irrigation facilities, road connectivity, and proximity to vibrant economic activities, such as mining and industry, facilitate more earning and a better standard of living.