Data Analysis Of The Regional Disparities And Convergence In Literacy: Evidence From The Indian States.

In this paper, the study of the regional disparities in literacy rate and examination of the σ and absolute β convergence hypotheses among Indian states for 1951-2011 is implemented. A comparative analysis of absolute β convergence between the proreform (1951-1991) and postreform (1991-2011) periods is also carried out. Further, states are bifurcated into Empowered Action Group (EAG) and non-EAG states. A separate examination of these two groups is also performed. To eliminate the effect of minor states, the analysis is also carried out for seventeen major Indian states. This paper contributes in various ways. First, it examines the convergence hypotheses for the pre-and post-reform period, and EAG and non-EAG states and secondly, the data of all the censuses of independent India (1951-2011) are considered for the analysis. The σ convergence is analysed by the coefficient of variation (CV), and absolute β convergence is explained by regression analysis, regressing the growth rate in LR on the initial value of LR to test the catching-up effect. The time trend analysis is incorporated to test the significance of the change in CV. The result shows a downward trend in CV for LR during the study period, indicating a reduction in dispersion; σ convergence, except for the EAG states. This investigation also finds significant evidence of absolute β convergence in LR for the pre- and post-reform periods and throughout the period. The process of reduction in the regional disparity is rapid in the post-reform period, as revealed by the higher convergence speed for all states, EAG states and non-EAG states. Moreover, the result of the seventeen major states does not differ from the result of all states, indicating that there is no significant effect with regards to major or minor states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]