Understanding Socio-economic Disparities in North-East India: Evidence from an Inter-state Comparative Study

Abstract

Regional inequality remains an important development concern in India as improvements in national averages can conceal wide differences across states. This paper examines socio-economic disparities among the eight states of North-East India using a descriptive comparative framework. The analysis draws on secondary data on per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP), relative per capita income, work participation, unemployment, literacy, gross enrolment, multidimensional poverty, infant mortality and life expectancy. The results show a mixed development pattern rather than a uniform regional pattern. Sikkim and Mizoram perform strongly on several income and social indicators, while Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya continue to face important gaps in particular dimensions. Poverty has declined throughout the region, literacy has improved considerably, and infant mortality has fallen in most states, yet differences in income, labour-market outcomes, educational progression and health remain visible. The findings suggest that regional policy should move beyond a uniform approach and respond to state-specific constraints. Greater emphasis is required on productive employment, human capital, health systems, connectivity, local enterprise and the quality of public service delivery. The study concludes that balanced regional development in North-East India depends not merely on raising aggregate growth, but on reducing persistent gaps in capabilities and access to opportunities across states.