As the southern powerhouse of Tamil Nadu gears up for the forthcoming national elections, a sweeping analysis of the State’s comprehensive progress paints a picture of profound socio-economic growth. Tamil Nadu, a state renowned not only for its rich cultural tapestry but also for being a hub of educational excellence and industrial strength, stands out in several socio-economic measures, signaling a stride toward holistic development.
Perusing the data, it is evident that Tamil Nadu is among the heavyweights across India in areas as critical as child health, women empowerment, and educational prowess. The vibrant manufacturing base underpinning the state’s economy has been instrumental in propelling Tamil Nadu to new frontiers of economic performance. However, with the drumbeat of progress comes a caveat – this fast-paced economic growth has not been without environmental repercussions, a stark reminder of the fragile balance between development and sustainability.
Recent rankings put Tamil Nadu’s social indicators in high regard. For example, the female population above the age of six attending school reached an impressive 80.4%. This positioned Tamil Nadu eleventh out of thirty states; however, when compared solely among its major counterparts, it secured a spot within the top three, only outclassed by Kerala and Himachal.
In recognition of the State’s effort to curb child marriages, the percentage of women married before the legal age of 18 has decreased consistently over the years. Despite this notable progress, Tamil Nadu’s ranking sank from 9th in 2005-06 to 13th in 2019-21 amongst the thirty states evaluated.
Infant mortality rates and the prevalence of stunted growth among children are indicators in which Tamil Nadu has outperformed, ranking within the top three among the major states. The reduction in wasted children is another area of improvement, with a rise from the 23rd place in 2005-06 to the 10th position in 2019-21, nudging closer to the lead states in the category of underweight children.
Healthcare coverage, a vital component of societal well-being, shows Tamil Nadu ranking fourth in households with any member covered under health insurance or financing schemes. Yet this is shadowed by an area needing urgent attention – the use of improved sanitation facilities, wherein the State lags significantly behind the desired standards.
Turning the lens towards the Human Development Index (HDI), Tamil Nadu showcases a commendable climb, from being 16th in 1990 to 11th in 2021. Its economic indicators mirror this trend. The state catapulted from 8th position in 1993-94 to 6th overall in 2021-22 in the per capita net state domestic product standings, placing third among the major states.
Manufacturing prowess has become a backbone of Tamil Nadu’s economy, employing a significant section of the State’s workforce and contributing substantially to the total Gross Value Added – a testament to the state’s industrial robustness.
In the realm of education, Tamil Nadu has achieved the apex position in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratios (GER) in higher education, and a laudable third in higher secondary schooling among the major states, affirming its commitment to cultivating intellectual capital.
Yet, these sterling strides in socio-economic sectors are marred by the environmental costs of industrial expansion. When assessing environmental well-being, Tamil Nadu’s ranks fall dramatically, plagued by high per capita hazardous waste generation and fossil fuel consumption.
As Tamil Nadu approaches the electoral crossroads, these indicators serve as a benchmark for the progress achieved and equally, a roadmap for areas needing refinement. With its eyes firmly set on sustainable growth, Tamil Nadu is on a journey that could potentially serve as a model for balanced development. Will the upcoming elections impact the trajectory of this development? Only time will tell, but one thing remains certain – Tamil Nadu’s socio-economic achievements have set a high bar for other states to follow.
