The making of miracles in Indian states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat

Growth miracles typically have been studied at the country level. The Making of Miracles in Indian States breaks from that tradition and studies three growth miracles in India at the level of the state: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. These are three of the largest and most diverse states in India. Andhra Pradesh is situated in the south of India, Bihar in the east, and Gujarat in the west. Bihar is the poorest among all states in India, Gujarat the third richest among the largest eighteen states, and Andhra Pradesh in the middle. Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat have long coastal lines while Bihar is landlocked. Yet, all of these states have grown at rates exceeding 8% for an entire decade in the 21st century.
Despite many differences in the initial conditions, several common threads tie the high-growth experiences of the three states. First, accelerated growth has permitted acceleration in the growth of development expenditures in all three states, which has helped improve connectivity to markets. Alongside this growth, poverty has seen accelerated decline. Second, the composition of growth matters. Growth in high-value commodities such as fruits and vegetables, commercial crops, dairy, and animal husbandry in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat has led to accelerated reduction in rural poverty. However, the failure of labor-intensive industry has stunted the migration of workers out of agriculture into industry. Third, the quality of leadership that brings improved governance with it is central to improved outcomes in the states. Visionary leaders—-Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, Nitish Kumar in Bihar, and Narendra Modi in Gujarat—-played critical roles in the making of all three miracles. Fourth, the three studies also bring out the importance of pro-market reforms and the adoption of technology in development. Finally, the studies show that good economics is also good politics: voters reward the chief ministers who bring about significant improvement to the people's lives.

Table of contents:

1. Introduction: Understanding the growth Miracles of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat
Arvind Panagariya and M. Govinda Rao
Chapter 1 References

PART I: ANDHRA PRADESH
Mudit Kapoor and Rahul Ahluwalia

2. Andhra Pradesh: Setting the Stage
3. Growth and Economic Transformation
4. Poverty and Employment
5. Microfinance and Employment Guarantee Program in Rural Areas
6. Health and Education
7. Conclusions
Appendix 1: Implications of Bifurcation and Region-Wise Analysis of Andhra Pradesh
Part I References

PART II: BIHAR
Arnab Mukherji and Anjan Mukherji

8. Bihar's Economy in Historical Perspective
9. What Went Wrong?
10. What Changed?
11. Governance and Reforms Matter
12. Conclusions
Part II References

PART III: GUJARAT
Archana Dholakia and Ravindra Dholakia

13. Growth and Development in Gujarat: An Overview
14. Policy Reform in Economic Sectors
15. Urban Development
16. Fiscal reforms and Performance
17. Elementary and Higher Education
18. Health
19. Governance, Efficiency, and Effectiveness
20. Lessons from the Gujarat Experience
Appendix 2: Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) on the River Narmada
Appendix 3: The Earthquake and Its Impact on the Kutchh District
Part III References

21. Lessons from the States and Looking Ahead Arvind Panagariya and M. Govinda Rao
(http://www.oup.co.in/product/academic-general/economics/development-economics/155/the-making-miracles-indian-states-andhra-pradesh-bihar-gujarat/9780199459728)