Kerala, with lower per capita income has a better human development ranking
than Maharashtra. Hence, per capita income is not a useful criterion at all and
should not be used to compare states. Do you agree? Discuss.
Some Comparative Datas on Punjab and Kerala.
States |
Infant Mortality Rate per 1,000 (2003) |
Literacy Rate (%) (2001) |
Net-Attendance Ratio for class l-V (1995-96) |
Per Capita Income for 2000 (in Rs.) |
Punjab |
49 |
70 |
81 |
26,000 |
Kerala |
11 |
91 |
91 |
22,800 |
I do agree in full with it.
Discussion:
(i) No doubt Kerala’s per capita income is lower than Punjab as given in table. But the other factors such as infant mortality rate per 1,000 (year 2003) is 11 in Kerala while it is 49 in Punjab. It indicates health facilities are neglected in Punjab.
(ii) Another criterion of net attendence ratio is also more favourable in Kerala than Punjab.
(iii) Total literacy rate of Kerala is also more favourable than Punjab.