Topic – Indian economy : Issues
6) Multidimensional Poverty Index shows that India’s BIMARU states have still not converged with the better off states in India is when it comes to social indicators. Examine why and suggest what needs to be done?(250 words)
Why this question
The article highlights the data released by UNDP and how the BIMARU states in India have been unable to perform so as to reach the levels of social indicators of developed states in India. This is despite the developmental philosophy that thought that trickle down effect would happen and the BIMARU states would eventually catch up. In light of the MPI figures, it is important to understand the reason why these states have been unable to pick up their performance and what needs to be done.
Key demand of the question
The question expects us to bring out the performance of these states in MPI index, explain what these index is and what it measures, as well as the reasons why convergence in development indicators is not seen. Finally, we need to provide suggestions as to what needs to be done to correct the situation.
Directive word
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any .
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Explain what MPI is and what BIMARU states are.
Body – Discuss what the data suggests about the performance of BIMARU states. Discuss the reasons why these states have been unable to improve their performance so as to keep up with their developed counterparts. Highlight that it is not that improvement in indices is not being seen but that the pace of improvement is quite slow. Discuss the reasons such as institutional, financial, lack of infrastructure etc. Suggest what needs to be done to improve the situation such as allocation of resources, creation of infrastructure etc
Conclusion – give your view on the performance of BIMARU states and what needs to be done.
