There are three obstacles in the economic development of Rajasthan:
1. National and Geographical Constraints :
- Huge desert : In the western part of Rajasthan, about 61 per cent of the total land area of the state is deserted. It is surrounded by sand dunes. Due to being a desert, it is . difficult to develop everything such agricultural activities, industries, etc.
- Status of Aravalli range : Aravalli Mountain range is situated from the south-west to the north-east of the state. This divides the state into two parts. Due to the location of the Aravalli, the amount of rainfall in the eastern districts of Rajasthan remains high. But as the western districts come under the rain shadow region, they remain dry. In these districts, the amount of rainfall is very low.
- Uncertainty of monsoon : In the state, the only river that flows throughout the year is Chambal. Here, one has to depend upon the monsoon for water supply to fulfill the agricultural and other needs.
- Famine and Drought : The state has faced vicious famines many a times. In 1991-92 and 2002-03, the entire state faced the famine. In such condition, the state is forced to employ its resources for development in famine relief and to rescue the people from its ill-effects.
- Regional Variation : Rajasthan has many variations. On one hand, there is desert, while on the other hand, there is mountain range. There is plateau in the south and plain in the east. Due to all these variations, the state is unable to develop collectively.
- Huge Wasteland : In Rajasthan, desert, dang and beehad areas are lying as waste lands, which have a wide spread of thorny bushes. Such a land cannot contribute to the state’s production.
2. Economic Constraints.
- Lack of irrigational facilities : Rajasthan is a state with the condition of water scarcity. The drinking water is always a problem in desert regions. In such a situation, it is very difficult to develop agriculture, animal husbandry and industrial development.
- lack of agricultural facilities : Due to the absence of irrigation facilities and lack of rainfall, the level of agricultural production is low. Additionally, farmers are also deprived of other sources of income such as animal husbandry, poultry farming, cottage industries etc.
- Lack of modern technology : Rajasthan is known as the Museum of Minerals. But, due to absence of proper technology, one cannot make appropriate tapping and usage of the minerals.
- Lack of Energy : The major reason behind this is unavailability of high quality coal and lack of water projects. For thermal power plants, good quality coal has to be bought from other states, and for hydroelectricity, alliances are to be made with other states.
- Lack of sufficient investment : In view of the geographical status and lack of power, investors do not wish to invest in the state.
3. Social Constraints :
- Population growth : The rapidly growing population of the state is also serving as an impediment in economic development. The state’s decadal growth is much higher than that of India. Making resources available for an ever growing population is extremely difficult.
- Level of education and literacy : In 2011 census, the literacy level of state was 67.1 per cent. This is not an auspicious sign for the economic development of any state. Female literacy rate of the state was merely 52.71 per cent.
- Orthodox social structure : Maximum population of Rajasthan resides in rural areas where many orthodox traditions are still prevalent- such as child marriage, dowry, gender inequality, untouchability and black magic. Such a society serves as a hindrance in economic development.
