Question

Write short note

Causes of regional imbalance

Answer 1

1. Physical factors like location, relief, altitude, availability of resources, accessibility etc. are responsible for imbalanced regional development.
2. While some regions have a better position in terms of geographical location, mineral and other natural resources, the others may lag behind. e.g. the states in Himalayan region and several north-eastern states located in difficult terrains (surrounded by hills and dense forests) are behind other regions which have better access to mineral and other resources.
3. Regions which have ports and airports also have an advantage over other regions. 
4. Adverse climate and vulnerability to disasters are also responsible for poor rate of development. This is turn may result in low agricultural productivity and lack of industrialisation, creating regional imbalance.
5. Differences in the distribution of human factors such as skilled labour, technology, transportation, access to markets, communication facilities, power, banking and insurance etc. also contribute to regional imbalance. e.g. Due to inadequacy of these factors, the Himalayan regions like North- Eastern Region, Himachal Pradesh, etc. are less developed as compared to other regions.
6. Additionally, investments made by the private sector are generally concentrated in regions having better infrastructural facilities. It influences the government’s decision of locating industries and various projects, which further aggravates regional imbalance.