Federal Finaning of Primary Education : Reflections from Karnataka

It is quite evident that both policy makers and researchers have recognized the importance of balanced regional development for bringing better fruits of development to the door steps of the community at large. Any federation is likely to experience both vertical as well as horizontal imbalance among the federating units.

In the context of Karnataka state, the issue of regional imbalance in development has triggered off a good deal of debate especially in the aftermath of Dr. Nanjundappa Committee Report in 2002. The report, which was pioneering one, is considered to be a bench mark in highlighting the regional imbalance across the taluks of the state using the data for the year 2000. In the year 2007-08 Special Development Plan (SDP) was announced by the state government to cater to the recommendations of this committee. The resources allocated under this banner along with regular budgetary support aimed at reducing the regional imbalances in the state. 

The authors of the book have tried to compare the development status of the taluks of Karnataka state using the 2009-10 data. Same methodology as was adopted by Dr. Nanjundappa was used to classify the development status of taluks. Thus, an attempt is made to compare the development status of the taluks over a period of ten years. 

The book presents such a decadal comparison of taluks with their movement backwards or otherwise. The information of this kind can be useful for resource allocation pattern. Such comparison has presented a mixed picture across the state with some of the taluks moving forward on the path of development. The authors have also suggested certain policy correctives for addressing the issue of regional imbalances in a better way.