Paper short abstract:

The central idea of development is freedom of opportunity, contrasting with the traditional view on economic growth. Despite economic progress, Sen’s capability approach remains crucial for marginalized groups, emphasizing well-being and agency. Our paper analyzes regional imbalances, particularly in India’s Aspirational Districts Program, using a multidimensional approach.

Paper long abstract:

The process of development requires an expanding spectrum of freedom for people to access. This concept of development contrasts with the traditional viewpoint, which solely emphasizes economic growth as the parameter of development. While the significance of economic growth cannot be ignored, it is equally vital for individuals within society as a means to enhance various ends of life. Freedom emerges as the central idea of development, denoting freedom from poverty and the dearth of opportunities in accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services.

It is also evident that despite economic growth, there are individuals at the bottom of the economic growth who are denied participation in its benefits. Here, the role of agencies becomes prominent in enabling marginalized individuals to access opportunities and exercise their freedoms. Sometimes, the lack of economic freedom can impact other ends of life, including health, education, and democratic participation. Similarly, the absence of access to healthcare can adversely affect economic opportunities, livelihoods, and education. Therefore, in cases of freedom violation, the resulting impact directly affects developmental opportunities. This underscores the significance of Sen's capability approach.

The capability approach, also known as the capability framework, revolves around two themes: well-being and agency. Well-being pertains to how effectively one can function as a human being. Functioning encompasses both means and ends—for example, the quality of education an individual receives opportunities for better employment and the ability to advocate for their rights. Education thus serves as a means for employment, as well as for health and democratic participation. Similarly, good health can facilitate quality education. However, these means and ends may remain unattainable if individuals lack the freedom to exercise agency in shaping their future lives. A poorly shaped agency can adversely impact people's freedom to access opportunities. For instance, an area with a dysfunctional healthcare facility can impede access to good health. Not only governmental agencies, but also biased community-based organizations, can suppress the voices of the marginalized. This emphasizes the continued importance of the capability approach, especially in India, where multidimensional diversity exists in terms of geography, demography, and politics. Different regions of India experience distinct realities of development and opportunities.

The proposed paper aims to explore and analyze regional development imbalances prevailing in Indian states using the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index and National Family Health Survey through the capability approach. The data analysis will encompass both quantitative and qualitative aspects to complement each other.

Regional development has primarily focused on the metropolitan system, aligning with the theory of dependency. The pinnacle of development is deemed attained when its benefits are enjoyed by citizens across the state, irrespective of geographical and demographic boundaries, enabling people to access different agencies freely. This concern is particularly relevant for the hilly regions of the country.

In the pursuit of making development accessible to every citizen and fostering India's overall development, the Aspirational Districts Program emerges as a groundbreaking initiative. The program encompasses 112 aspirational districts across India, representing diverse demographic and geographical locations. Its objective is to develop these districts in thematic areas such as health and nutrition, education, basic infrastructure, agriculture, water resources, financial inclusion, and skill development. These districts are among the most backward in India. The program's success relies on an effective data management system and the principles of convergence and collaboration.

To evaluate regional development balances, the Multidimensional Poverty Index will be utilized, employing the latest household microdata from the all-India National Family Health Survey (NFHS). It measures deprivation across three dimensions: health and nutrition, education, and standard of living.

The paper will conclude by examining the impact of the Aspirational Districts Program in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. This district, located in the Himalayan Mountain range and near the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, holds a unique geographical position. The paper's recommendations for further improvement will be significant for policymakers and researchers interested in implementing similar programs in other regions.

References:

Sen, A. (2000). Development As Freedom. New Delhi: Oxford University Press.

Sen, A. (1999). Inequality reexamined. New Delhi: OXFORD University Press.

Sen, A. (1985). Well-Being, Agency and Freedom: The Dewey Lectures 1984. The Journal of Philosophy, 82, 169-221.