🟦 Geography Optional – MAINS
Paper–II : Indian Geography
Page – 24 | Regional Planning & Regional Imbalances
UPSC / UPPSC | Shaktimatha 369 Learning
Q24. What is regional planning? Analyse the causes of regional imbalances in India and evaluate the effectiveness of planning strategies adopted to reduce them.
Directive: Analyse + Evaluate (Critical & Applied)
Introduction
Regional planning refers to the systematic effort to achieve balanced socio-economic development across different regions of a country. In India, sharp regional disparities exist due to historical, geographical and policy-related factors.
Main Body
1. Concept and Objectives of Regional Planning
- Balanced regional development
- Optimal utilisation of regional resources
- Reduction of inter-regional inequalities
- Promotion of social justice and equity
2. Causes of Regional Imbalances in India
- Colonial legacy and uneven infrastructure
- Physical constraints like relief and climate
- Concentration of industries and investments
- Administrative inefficiency and governance gaps
3. Major Forms of Regional Imbalances
- Inter-state disparities (West vs East India)
- Intra-state disparities (coastal vs interior regions)
- Rural–urban divide
- Tribal and backward area neglect
4. Regional Planning Strategies in India
- Five-Year Plans and sectoral planning
- Backward area development programmes
- Industrial corridors and growth poles
- Special Economic Zones and regional incentives
5. Evaluation of Planning Efforts
- Partial success in infrastructure expansion
- Persistent gaps in income and employment
- Limited trickle-down effects
- Need for decentralised and participatory planning
Conclusion
Reducing regional imbalances requires integrated planning, local empowerment and region-specific development strategies. Sustainable and inclusive growth must remain the core objective of regional planning in India.
Maps/Diagrams to draw in exam:
• Backward regions of India
• Industrial corridors and growth poles
• Regional imbalance zones
Examiner’s View:
✔ Link planning with regional geography
✔ Use examples like BIMARU states
✔ Include evaluation, not just description
✔ Map-based answers score higher
End of MAINS – Paper II | Page 24
Shaktimatha 369 Learning
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