New Indpress
 
Bangalore, Jan 20: The World Bank has criticised the State for its delay in addressing the problems of regional imbalances and for its failure to live up to the image of a boom State. It has also wrapped the State for slow progress on socio-economic sectors vis-a-vis its neighbours.

The WB table calendar 2007 that gives a brief snapshot on its effort to support Indian States has highlighted programmes and projects it has taken up in Karnataka. “The rich and the varied illustrations reflect the vibrancy of Indian States, some of which are forging new paradigms in development, “ acting director, WB, New Delhi, Rachid Benmessaoud, said in the calendar’s cover page.

“Karnataka’s overall economic and social development has been average and the State has a long way to go to catch up with its neighbours like Tamil Nadu and Kerala,” the WB observed.

It, however, appreciated the decline in poverty in the State, while pointing at backward regions of North Karnataka.

There are seven active WB projects in Karnataka with a focus on community development. Three projects will demand village communities to be in charge of running their own water supply schemes, managing their local tanks and developing their local watersheds. The WB will also help strengthen the capacities of panchayats and municipalities for more effective local governance.

Kerala

“Kerala as a trailblazer in social development for its success in achieving almost total literacy, curtailing population growth and reducing maternal and infant mortality,” the WB said.

“It is perhaps one of the most egalitarian societies in India and has succeeded in meeting most of the basic needs of its citizens.” The WB’s involvement in Kerala is aimed at helping the Sate move to the next level of development.

Tamil Nadu

It lauded Tamil Nadu for substantial reduction of child malnutrition, raising elementary school enrolment, and reducing child and maternal mortality.

“One of the most urbanised States of the country with an educated work-force, TN is fast edging out other States as an attractive investment destination,” the WB said.

On the flip side, the WB said that TN was less successful in creating employment and putting the State on a higher trend growth rate. It also noted that there have been pockets of poverty and marked disparities in property distribution.

The WB projects in TN are aimed at improving larger sections of the poor and the marginalised through better social services and improved infrastructure.

Andhra Pradesh

“Sound systems of governance, a political consensus around the development agenda and some innovative interventions have helped reduce the number of poor people over the 1990s. The WB is helping the State government meet its development priority of increasing the well-being of all its people, especially in rural areas.