Write a note on: Factors affecting regional imbalance in India

Answer: Regional imbalance is the unequal level of development between different regions; in India it is caused by physical, historical, economic and political factors.

• Physical setting: fertile plains with water (Punjab, Haryana) developed fast, while mountains, deserts, forests and drought-prone plateaus lag behind.
• Natural resources: uneven distribution of minerals, power resources and water.
• Historical factors: during British rule, development was concentrated in port cities like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, and their hinterlands.
• Infrastructure: regions with good transport, power, irrigation and communication attract industries and investment.
• Industrialisation and urbanisation: investment concentrates in already developed areas (e.g. Mumbai–Pune), widening the gap.
• Social factors: differences in literacy, health and skills of the population.
• Political and administrative factors: government policies, stability, law and order and efficiency of local administration.