Dynamics of Human Development in Bihar: An Inter-District Analysis

Abstract

Bihar is considered one of the backward states of India. The recent high growth recorded by the Bihar economy has drawn nationwide attention. This study attempts to examine the trend of human development of the districts of Bihar in the two periods, 2001-03 and 2009-11. The former period is recognised as the stagnation period of the Bihar economy whereas the latter is considered a high-growth period. To study human development, a composite District Human Development Index (DHDI) has been constructed following the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) methodology. DHDI is a combination of three indices: an index of health outcome, an educational attainment index and an income index. The relevant data are gathered from different government reports. The temporal movement of this DHDI is studied. An attempt has been made to ascertain the proximate determinants of DHDI, for which a set of socioeconomic indicators are taken into consideration. Three important results emerge from this study. First, significant inequality exists among the districts in terms of the different indicators. Second, some districts have witnessed consistent development compared to other districts. Third, some of the determinants of DHDI have no influencing role on fostering human development. This calls for immediate policy action.