Bridging the Divide: A Study on Regional Human Development in West Bengal

The study examines regional disparities in human development across West Bengal, revealing significant inequalities between districts, especially in the south versus northern and western regions. It highlights the role of urbanization and social inclusion in addressing these disparities and calls for targeted, region-specific policies to promote balanced development.

A study by Souvik Dey from the University of Burdwan, Jhilam Ray from Jadavpur University, and Rajarshi Majumder from the University of Burdwan, examines the regional disparities in human development across districts of West Bengal, India. The researchers utilized both the traditional United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) method and an alternative Maziotta-Pareto technique to construct a district-level Human Development Index (HDI). They aimed to identify the spatial patterns of human development within the state and to explore factors that contribute to regional inequalities. The study incorporated indicators from education, health, and livelihood sectors, making use of data from sources such as the National Family Health Survey, UDISE, and the Rural Health Statistics Report. It also employed spatial econometric models, including Moran’s I coefficient and Local Indicators of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) cluster maps, to reveal the spatial interdependence in human development across West Bengal.

Regional Disparities in West Bengal's Human Development

The research found significant regional disparities, with southern districts like Kolkata, Howrah, and North 24-Parganas showing high levels of human development, while districts in the northern and western parts of the state, such as Puruliya, Bankura, and Birbhum, displayed lower human development scores. The clustering observed in the southern districts indicates the presence of a "growth pole" effect, where the metropolis of Kolkata acts as a center of development, benefiting its surrounding areas. In contrast, a "metropole-periphery" process is evident in districts like Paschim Bardhaman, which has experienced higher levels of development compared to its neighboring districts due to its industrial and urban growth. The findings suggest that while urbanization has helped certain regions thrive, other districts lag behind, primarily due to socioeconomic barriers and a lack of infrastructure.

Factors Influencing Spatial Inequality in Development

A key aspect of the study was the exploration of spatial regression to analyze the factors contributing to these disparities. The researchers found that urbanization rates and the proportion of socially backward class populations (SC/ST groups) were significant variables influencing regional human development. Higher urbanization rates were positively correlated with better HDI scores, as districts with greater urban populations had better access to economic opportunities, healthcare, and education. On the other hand, districts with a higher percentage of SC/ST populations generally had lower HDI scores, reflecting the historical marginalization and limited access to resources that these communities have faced. This highlights the importance of policies aimed at social inclusion and targeted development for disadvantaged groups to reduce these disparities.

Human Development Rankings Over Time

The study also compared the HDI results from 2004 and 2022, noting that the rankings of districts have remained relatively consistent over time, with Kolkata consistently performing the best. However, the disparities have widened, with fewer districts achieving high HDI scores in 2022 compared to 2004. The use of the Maziotta-Pareto technique, which accounts for horizontal imbalances across the different dimensions of human development, revealed that districts like Paschim Bardhaman, which have relatively higher scores in one dimension, may still experience significant imbalances in other areas such as health or education. This indicates that while some districts may show overall improvement, these gains are not evenly distributed across all sectors of development.

Tailored Policies Needed to Address Regional Disparities

In terms of policy implications, the study suggests that addressing spatial inequalities in West Bengal requires micro-level interventions tailored to the specific needs of each district. For instance, the southern districts that are already experiencing positive spillover effects from Kolkata’s growth may benefit from policies that further enhance their urban infrastructure and economic opportunities. Conversely, districts in the western and northern parts of the state, which suffer from lower HDI scores, will require more comprehensive policies focusing on basic education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, particularly for the SC/ST populations. The findings also highlight the importance of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in underdeveloped districts to create local employment opportunities and boost economic well-being.

The Role of Spatial Interdependence in Human Development

The researchers also emphasize the importance of spatial factors in determining human development outcomes. The spatial regression analysis revealed that human development tends to cluster geographically, meaning that improvements in one region often lead to positive spillover effects in neighboring areas. This suggests that policies focused on improving infrastructure and services in key areas can have a broader regional impact. For example, improving healthcare facilities in one district may benefit neighboring districts through increased access and shared resources. Similarly, investments in education or livelihood programs in one area can have a ripple effect, enhancing development across a larger region.

Despite some limitations, such as the availability of comparable data at the district level, the study provides valuable insights into the spatial dimensions of human development in West Bengal. It highlights that a one-size-fits-all policy approach is unlikely to succeed in addressing these regional disparities. Instead, the state requires a more nuanced strategy that takes into account the specific needs and characteristics of each district. Affirmative action policies targeting socially backward groups, investments in education and healthcare, and promoting urbanization linked to economic opportunities are essential to reducing regional imbalances and promoting more equitable development across West Bengal.