Objectives: To study the basic idea of whether growth is an end itself or one should look beyond growth.
Methods/Statistical Analysis: This study uses simple statistical technique such as calculating compound annual growth rates and various ratios to compare the growth and other development indicators of Gujarat and West Bengal.
Findings: It has been found that Gujarat is always ahead of West Bengal in terms of growth and output. However, in terms of other developmental parameters i.e. education, health, and Human Development Index (HDI), West Bengal fared well. This study has also considered women development indicator and found that West Bengal is ahead of Gujarat except in women’s work force participation. These findings strengthens that the argument of growth is not an end in itself; growth in output doesn’t always necessarily ensure improvement of other development indicators.
Application/Improvements: This study advocates adopting redistributive policies to ensure that fruits of growth are being distributed so that other development indicators also improve.