Social Sector Expenditure in India: A Regional Analysis
The ultimate objective of all development endeavors is human development, encompassing the quality of life, the level of well being and access to basic social services. The emphasis on the achievement of higher economic growth along with social justice is manifest in the renewed focus on development initiates in the social sectors. Development and utilization of human resources and the improvement in the overall quality of life of the people is central to any development planning. There are, however, two way linkages between human development and all over economic progress. Sustained higher economic growth is a necessary condition and a significant driver of human development. On the other hand, if the people are healthy, educated and adequately skilled, they can participate fully and contribute more to the economic development progress. In India there exist inter- state variations in the development of social sector. States with more accountable Governments, greater access to finance, greater reduction in poverty and greater inclusion of women in economic growth emerged as those that also succeeded in reducing inequality of education and health opportunities.