Regional disparities in socio-economic development in Tamil Nadu

The level of development of different districts of Tamil Nadu was obtained with the help of composite index based on optimum combination of forty two socio-economic indicators. The district-wise data in respect of forty two indicators were used for twenty two districts of the State. The data on most of the indicators were for the year 1994-95. The level of development was obtained separately for agricultural, infrastructural service and socio- economic sectors. The district of Chengalpattu MGR was ranked first and the district of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar was ranked last in the level of socio-economic development in the State. Wide disparities were obtained in the level of development among different districts. Northern and north-eastern districts were found to be better developed. The socio-economic development was positively associated with the growth and progress of agricultural development and infrastructural facilities. The level of education, provision of health services, banking facilities, transport and communication systems did not significantly influence the agricultural development in the State. For bringing out uniform regional development, potential targets have been estimated for low developed districts. These districts require improvements of various dimensions in some of the indicators for enhancing the \evel of overall socio-economic development. Some of the districts require unified balanced integration of curative, preventive and promotional health services