Statistical evaluation of socio-economic development of different states in India

The level of development of different states was obtained with the help of composite index based on optimum combinatioin of a number of socio-economic indicators. Seventeen major states and ten smaller states of the country were included in the analysis. The data on various indicators for the year 2001-02 were used in the study. The level of development was examined separately for agricultural, infrastructural and overall socio-economic sectors. The state of Punjab was ranked first and Bihar was ranked last in overall socio-economic development. Wide disparities were observed in the level of development among different states. The overall socio-economic development was positively associated with the development in agricultural sector. The infrastructural facilities and literacy status were influencing the socio-economic development in the positive direction. For bringing out uniform regional development, potential target of developmental indicators was estimated for low developed states.