Regional Variations of Social Sector Development: District Level Study of West Bengal State

The study makes an attempt to examine the inter-district disparities in social sector and their impact on social development through cross-sectional data and inter-temporal analysis of 18 districts in West Bengal. Social sector development is directly related to broader enhancement of human well-being and quality of life. This includes not only an adequate level of consumption of food and other consumer goods but also access to basic social services, especially education, health, drinking water facilities and basic sanitation. The study reveals that two dimensions come out to be meaningful, namely, quantitative and qualitative dimensional development. The study finds that there are sharp disparities among the districts in the State of West Bengal.