Growth and development in Gujarat - an overview

Abstract

The chapter outlines the growth history of Gujarat and progress made on the social front since its inception in 1960. While its performance relative to the average of the country was fluctuating during the first three decades, the state has performed far better in the last two decades. Its relative growth is significantly higher in the 2000s than in the 1990s. In economic transformation, Gujarat looks more like China than the average of India. Its performance in several other development indicators is consistent with its economic achievements. Poverty has come down and inequality level is less than in comparable states. Literacy and health indicators show remarkable improvements in 2000s. Two of the three disadvantaged groups, Scheduled Castes and Muslims, in Gujarat have done better than not only their counterparts but also average citizens in the country in several respects. The performance of Scheduled Tribes, however, is not so good.