Identification of Backward Regions and the Trends in Regional Disparities in India

SINCE 1951 when the concerted efforts for planned economic development were intensified in India, the problems of regional imbalances attracted much attention. As early as 1956 when the Second Five-Year Plan was formulated the problem of regional disparity was specifically noted and it was stressed that in any comprehensive plan the special needs of the less developed regions should receive due attention and the pattern of investment must be so devised as to lead to balanced regional development.