Some popular dev models by States in India
The Gujarat model of BJP, Dravidian model of DMK in Tamil Nadu, Kerala model of Left Front and Delhi model of AAP have been very popular development models of recent years and are stated to be worth emulating by others. Every State has to follow its own model for realising development considering its own strength and weakness. However, though controversial, these models are being claimed as successful in reducing poverty and fostering economic growth and human development.
The Gujarat model has focused more on capital intensive growth with basic infrastructure development that facilitates a smooth corporate investment. In order to facilitate the process, the State Government machinery is being proactively geared up to clear all kinds of investment proposals without delay and the State has offered a host of subsidies and incentives to the corporates so that they cannot face any hurdle in doing business.
It has encouraged an industrial economy, export-oriented growth, infrastructure development, such as good communication, road, railway, airport, seaport, power and other facilities that will generate employment and lead to reduction of poverty. The Gujarat model has been referred to the period from 2002-03 to 2011-12 for the effective implementation of neo- liberal economic policies which has been pursued after the nineties in the country. This model has been much appreciated by economist Jagadish Bhagawati as most ideal to be followed by others. It is being argued that the growth of the State GDP will have a trickledown effect over reducing poverty.
The other three models have lots of similarities in terms of investment in social capital and human development. The Dravidian model has been rooted in its social justice tradition beginning with the Justice Party in early twenties and followed by Dravidian parties. The State of Tamil Nadu has focused its social justice agenda that is inclusive of overall State economic development which is very unique in India. TN is the only State having 69 percent of reservation that is inclusive of all categories of social groups. It has also very well categorised the affirmative action with principles of distributive justice. It is being told that the emphasis of social development must reach to the sub-nationalities within a nation State and inclusive of social groups that are historically neglected in many ways which is a major reason of their underdevelopment. The inequality and social discrimination can be addressed in development through fair participation and inclusive representation. The State has very well combined industrialisation with social development while following the principles of social justice and has achieved success in all fronts. The State has been consistently arguing for federalism and financial autonomy to the States because without decentralisation of power, the development of a State is not possible.
The Kerala model of development has been a matter of discussion because of its social and human development achievements in recent years and its high standards of quality of life are comparable with some of the developed countries. The State has remarkable success in literacy, primary education, healthcare, high life expectancy, low IMR, and low birth rate which are foundations to build quality human capital. The State has been embedded with progressive social and political movements that have boosted political activism and outlined a set of inclusive development agenda such as distribution and redistribution of productive assets, such as land to land less poor, housing and basic amenities, PDS, minimum wage, social security, access to quality education, skill development, social security and a host of affirmative actions for the excluded groups. The State has very well used its internal resources, advantage of a coast, remittance economy, tourism and growth in agriculture. The Kerala experience has demonstrated that focus on high social spending can lead to growth which is more beneficial to the common man that helps in reducing poverty and inequality. Growth is not just about GDP and per capita income but improving quality of life and standard of living of the last man in a historically unequal society is equally important. The model has been well appreciated by economist Amartya Sen and many others who are globally arguing for sustainable social development.
The more recent model of development which is quite nearer to Kerala’s is the Delhi’s AAP Government model. The model is more focused on quality education of Government run schools, primary healthcare, ensuring basic amenities such as water and electricity free of cost up to a limit and good governance with better public service delivery systems along with empowerment of vulnerable sections such as children and women.
The Government has been neutral over new tax and has not gone for any external borrowing while implementing many of its welfare schemes. It is a good case for other States. In recent times, the Delhi has helped the taxi and auto drivers, migrants and slum dwellers, school children and women in many ways. The most striking thing is the doorstep delivery of essential services to make ordinary citizen comfortable without visiting offices and ensuring basic amenities for the poor living in metropolis. Though Delhi is a UT unlike other States but still the development model of AAP Government has substantially drawn the attention of development experts at the national and international levels. The APP has used its development model during election campaigns in other States and its recent success in Punjab election proves the appreciation of its model by the voters.
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