Analysis of Socio-Economic Development through a Micro-Level Study of Economic Dependency Beyond Demographic Structure in Alipurduar District, West Bengal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrijm2025.v05.n04.013Keywords:
Age structure, Work participation rate, Dependency ratio, Dependency gap, Socio economic developmentAbstract
This study examines the level of socio-economic development in Alipurduar district of West Bengal through a micro-level analysis that moves beyond traditional demographic measures and incorporates economic dependency. While the district exhibits a favourable age structure with a large proportion of working-age population, indicating potential for a demographic dividend, the findings reveal a contrasting reality of low work participation and high economic dependency. Using primary data collected from 800 households across community development blocks and municipalities, the study analyses age structure, work participation rate, and both demographic and economic dependency ratios. The results highlight that a significant share of the working-age population remains economically inactive, leading to a substantial gap between demographic and economic dependency. This hidden dependency burden is particularly pronounced in both rural blocks like Kalchini and Falakata and urban areas such as Falakata Municipality. The study underscores that demographic advantage alone does not ensure development unless supported by adequate employment opportunities, skill development, and inclusive economic participation. It concludes that Alipurduar’s development is moderate but constrained, characterized by underutilization of human resources and regional disparities, thereby necessitating targeted, region-specific policy interventions for sustainable socio-economic progress.
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