One Nation, Many Realities: Understanding India’s Interstate Divide
The Talk
Regional disparities in economic status and human development in India remain stark and persistent. States like Kerala and Tamil Nadu report outcomes comparable to high middle-income countries, while Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag behind at levels similar to the world’s poorest nations. This talk explores the relevance of the ‘North-South’ divide and examines variations across and within states—shaped by factors such as caste, gender, and region. It offers insights into the complex drivers of these inequalities and considers their political and social consequences, while also reflecting on the broader policy implications for addressing such uneven development.
Dipa Sinha
Dipa Sinha is a development economist and independent researcher. Her areas of research include social policy, food and nutrition rights, public health, and gender. She is a Visiting Professor at the Centre for the Study of Indian Economy, Azim Premji University, and has previously taught at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD). She has worked extensively on the right to food and nutrition with the Office of Commissioners to the Supreme Court and is associated with the Right to Food Campaign.
