Haryana has a higher per capita income than Kerala, yet parents in Haryana are nearly three times more likely to lose a child in infancy than parents in Kerala. Analyse the possible reasons for this paradox, drawing on the role of public facilities and income distribution.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:22 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Haryana has a per capita income of ₹2,64,729 vs Kerala's ₹2,34,405, yet Haryana's IMR is 28 per 1,000 live births — nearly three times Kerala's 6. The following reasons explain this paradox:
- Role of Public Facilities: Kerala has adequate provision of basic health and educational facilities. Quality public hospitals, trained health workers, and immunisation programmes directly reduce infant deaths.
- Money Cannot Buy Everything: Income alone cannot protect against infectious diseases unless the entire community takes preventive steps. Public health infrastructure benefits everyone collectively, regardless of individual income.
- Collective vs. Individual Provision: Goods like healthcare are cheaper and more effective when provided collectively. Haryana's higher income does not automatically translate into accessible public health services for all.
- Unequal Income Distribution: Per capita income is an average that hides inequality. Haryana's higher average may mask extreme disparities, meaning poorer households cannot access quality healthcare.
- PDS and Nutrition: States where the Public Distribution System functions well show better health and nutritional outcomes, contributing to lower infant mortality — a factor where Kerala performs better.
Conclusion: Development requires equitable public facilities, not just higher income.
Source: Chapter 1 — Development; Sections: Income and Other Criteria, Public Facilities
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Explanation
- Examiners look for: the core paradox stated clearly, then 4–5 distinct analytical points using textbook concepts (public facilities, collective provision, income distribution/averages, PDS).
- Always cite IMR figures (28 vs 6) to ground your answer in data — this shows you read the table.
- Avoid writing a general essay; each point should directly link to why higher income fails to reduce IMR.
- The conclusion tying income + public services together earns the final mark.