Pondicherry - 2007 Best Small State of India

Puducherry has outshone Goa and Delhi to occupy the top slot in the Small State category. Its performance on social sector parameters has been as impressive as in the sunshine sectors like technology and hardware. - India Today

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy

• Rs 61,064 is the per capita income of the people in the state.

• The state tops spending in healthcare in 2006-07.

• It is the only state to provide breakfast, umbrellas and raincoats to school students.

PUDUCHERRYSmall State Big StridesDespite the propensity for freebies the state has done well, thanks to the rush of big tag investments. By Anand Natarajan Talk of Puducherry and the first thing that comes to mind is Auroville and the sun-kissed beaches all around. But behind the sense of calm is a bustling industrial hub that has, yet again, catapulted the state to the top slot in the "small state" category. For a state known for its generosity in doling out freebies and subsidies, Puducherry has done remarkably well. Its relentless pursuit of growth-oriented schemes has resulted in a balanced development, with the state garnering a GDP of Rs 7, 196.17 crore for 2005-06 and recording a per capita income of Rs 61,064.

Puducherry's economic growth rides on its industrial growth. In the 1950s, it had just three textile mills and five small industries. Today, it boasts of 71 heavy industries, 168 medium enterprises and 7,632 small enterprises. The state's industrial policy, which seeks to make it the nation's hardware capital, gives a special thrust to information technology, biotechnology, agro-processing, auto ancillaries and electronics. Puducherry's economy depends on agriculture as well. But dwindling land availability and a depleting water table are threatening the sector. Efforts are on to meet the challenge with the state budget allocating Rs 25.11 crore for agro-related operations.

Puducherry scores high on education and also on sops. Though the free midday meal scheme is on everywhere, it is the only state to also provide free breakfast, umbrellas and rain coats. The state accords priority to health. It recorded a per capita expenditure of Rs 1,071 in healthcare, the highest in the country, in 2006-07. A sum of Rs 21.78 crore is being spent on the tourism sector this year. This will be complemented by an ambitious expansion of Pondicherry Airport. As it chugs along nicely on several fronts, Puducherry's front runner status is secure. But if it doesn't pull its act together on heavy subsidies and freebies, its place could be challenged.

Courtesy: http://news.digitaltoday.in/news/in20070914.jsp?param=cover-best