Answer: Regional imbalance can be reduced by planned development of backward regions.
- Special area programmes: Hill Area, Drought Prone Area, Desert Development and Tribal Area Development programmes.
- Industrial dispersal: tax concessions, subsidies and cheap land/power for industries in backward areas; growth centres and industrial estates.
- Infrastructure: roads, railways, electricity, irrigation and telecommunication in backward and rural areas.
- Agricultural development: irrigation projects, watershed development, better seeds and credit for farmers.
- Human development: more schools, colleges, health centres and skill development in backward areas.
- Employment schemes and financial transfers: rural employment guarantee, poverty alleviation schemes and larger central grants to backward states.
- Decentralised planning through Panchayati Raj institutions so local needs are met.
