Arunachal Pradesh has abundant water resources but lags in development, while some states with a poor resource base are economically advanced. What does this contrast reveal about the true drivers of regional economic development?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:27 · grounding rag
Model Answer
This contrast reveals that mere availability of resources is not enough for economic development. Arunachal Pradesh has abundant water resources but lacks infrastructure, while resource-poor regions may be economically advanced due to better technology and institutions.
As stated in the textbook, "the availability of resources is a necessary condition for development, but mere availability in the absence of corresponding changes in technology and institutions may hinder development." True drivers of regional development include:
- Technological development
- Quality of human resources
- Institutional framework
- Infrastructure
- Historical experiences of the people
Therefore, resources alone cannot ensure development; they must be accompanied by appropriate technology and planned resource utilisation.
Source: Resources and Development, Resource Planning in India
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Explanation
- The examiner expects you to go beyond just naming Arunachal Pradesh — you must explain why rich resources don't always mean development.
- The key phrase from the textbook to quote or paraphrase: "availability of resources… in the absence of corresponding changes in technology and institutions may hinder development."
- Listing the true drivers (technology, human resources, institutions, infrastructure) earns full marks.
- Do not write a lengthy essay — 4–5 crisp points with a concluding line is ideal for 3 marks.