Some Facts and Figures on Development Attainments in Nagaland

Abstract

The present paper is a humble attempt to highlight the progress of Nagaland in some socioeconomic and demographic dimensions using indicator variables on demographic features, infrastructure, economy and human development. The study reveals that in the last decade there has been a decline in death rate, male population and child sex ratio but an increase in overall sex ratio. The state is observed to be the worst performer in the region in terms of drinking water supply, particularly in rural areas. Although every household is provided with electricity connection, per capita consumption of power in the state is lowest. Banking facilities are not up to the mark in the state and lagging behind Tripura in terms of credit-deposit ratio. Road is the major source of transport and it is the second best state in the region after Assam. However, road transport has been handicapped by poor maintenance. The state has done a commendable job In terms of literacy rate, girl’s enrollment in schools and average years of schooling but failed in bridging the gap between rural-urban literacy rates. There is inadequacy of health facilities in the state resulting in the increase in infant mortality rate. Work participation has been higher for males than that of females but rural female participation has been higher than that of the urban female participation. The state is also witnessing significant Increase in participation of urban females in work. The economy of the state is primarily forest-based and agricultural but it has achieved remarkable progress in small and medium scale industries. However, employment creation and productivity of labor and capital are quite low in factories. It has not been able to attract foreign tourists because of frequent law and order problem. It is lagging behind in terms of per capita income though her per capita consumption expenditure is highest in the region. In terms of human development it has made a tremendous progress while Mizoram is in competition with her in terms of literacy.

Keywords: Nagaland, North East India, Economic Progress, Human Development, Infrastructure