Human Development in Gujarat: Evidence from 2011 Population Census

Abstract

This article uses the data available from the 2011 population census to construct the human development index (HDI) right up to the village and municipal ward level in Gujarat. The analysis reveals that the human progress in the state and in its constituent districts, sub-districts, towns and villages has largely been average to low, and strong residence and social class inequalities in human development continue to persist. The human development scenario is contrastingly different in rural and urban areas of the state. There is, however, a substantial proportion of municipal wards within towns where human development appears to be low or very low. The analysis also suggests very strong residence and social class effects on human development in the state. It also appears that human progress in the state has stagnated at average levels during the last decade. Despite the fact that there is still substantial scope for human progress. There is a need to reinvigorate human development efforts in the state.