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September 3, 2024

India's Eastern States: Challenges and Government Steps Towards Vikshit Bharat

India's eastern states, including West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states, are rich in cultural heritage, natural resources, and biodiversity. Despite these advantages, the region faces numerous challenges that hinder its development. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving the vision of a "Vikshit Bharat" (Developed India) by ensuring inclusive growth and balanced regional development.

Challenges in India's Eastern States

1.Economic Disparities: Eastern states like Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and the northeastern states lag behind in economic development compared to the western and southern regions. Low industrialisation and limited job opportunities exacerbate poverty.

2.Infrastructure Deficit: Inadequate road, rail, and air connectivity, especially in rural areas, hinders economic growth. Insufficient infrastructure also affects education, healthcare, and access to markets.

3. Naxalism: States like Jharkhand, Bihar, and parts of West Bengal face challenges from left-wing extremism (Naxalism). This disrupts governance and development initiatives.

4.Social Issues: High rates of illiteracy, malnutrition, and poor healthcare services prevail in many parts of the region. Gender disparities and caste-based inequalities further compound these issues.

5.Political Instability and Governance Issues: Frequent political instability and governance challenges in some states have impeded consistent policy implementation.

6.Environmental Challenges: Prone to natural disasters like floods, cyclones, and landslides, the region faces significant environmental challenges. Deforestation and mining activities have also degraded the environment.

Government Steps Towards Vikshit Bharat

1.Infrastructure Development:

Bharatmala and Sagarmala Projects: Aimed at improving road and port connectivity.

UDAN Scheme: Promotes regional air connectivity to improve access to remote areas in eastern India.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): Focus on rural road connectivity.

2.Economic Initiatives:

Make in India and Start-Up India: Encourage industrial growth and entrepreneurship.

Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Promote industrialisation and exports.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Provides skill development for employment opportunities.

3.Agricultural Development:

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Crop insurance scheme to protect farmers against natural calamities.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Aims to improve irrigation facilities.

4.Social Development Programs:

Ayushman Bharat: Ensures healthcare coverage for economically vulnerable families.

Swachh Bharat Mission: Focuses on sanitation and hygiene improvements.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Promotes the education and well-being of girls.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Improves nutrition and school attendance among children.

5.Combating Naxalism:

SAMADHAN Strategy: Holistic approach focusing on security, development, and local governance to combat Naxalism.

Special Infrastructure Scheme: Strengthens infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas.

6.Environmental Conservation:

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): Aims to rejuvenate the Ganga river.

Afforestation Programs: Initiatives like Green India Mission to increase forest cover.

7.Regional Focus Initiatives:

North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS): Focuses on the development of infrastructure in the northeastern states.

Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC): Aims to boost trade and industrial activities in the eastern region.

Conclusion

The government’s multi-faceted approach targets both the economic and social challenges in the eastern states to promote a "Vikshit Bharat" (Developed India). Despite the efforts, continuous monitoring, effective implementation, and tailored regional strategies are essential for achieving balanced development across India.