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By:

Anusreeta Dutta

26 April 2026 at 1:22:24 pm

One Maharashtra, Unequal Priorities

Six decades after statehood, constitutional safeguards remain necessary to bridge the gap between western Maharashtra and the regions left behind. Maharashtra is often referred to as India’s economic engine. The state, which is home to Mumbai’s financial ecosystem and Pune’s industrial corridor, contributes about 14 percent to the GDP of India. There is a long-standing dispute behind this achievement that has affected state politics for decades. Is every district in Maharashtra thriving at...

One Maharashtra, Unequal Priorities

Six decades after statehood, constitutional safeguards remain necessary to bridge the gap between western Maharashtra and the regions left behind. Maharashtra is often referred to as India’s economic engine. The state, which is home to Mumbai’s financial ecosystem and Pune’s industrial corridor, contributes about 14 percent to the GDP of India. There is a long-standing dispute behind this achievement that has affected state politics for decades. Is every district in Maharashtra thriving at the same pace? It is not just a political question. It is written into the Constitution proper. Unlike most states in India, Maharashtra has a unique constitutional provision under Article 371(2) which empowers the Governor to ensure that development funding and opportunities are equally shared between Vidarbha, Marathwada and the rest of Maharashtra. The clause was born out of fears that some areas would be forgotten once the state was established in 1960. Six decades later, the existence of this constitutional safeguard raises an uncomfortable question: why does Maharashtra need tools to balance regional development still? Regional Disparity The seeds of regional disparity were sown long before the birth of Maharashtra. Western Maharashtra had early investments in irrigation, cooperative sugar mills, educational institutions and transportation. The centres of industrial growth followed by agricultural commercialisation were Pune, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and part of Nashik. Vidarbha and Marathwada chose the other. Agriculture was still heavily dependent on monsoon rains, industrialization was slow and irrigation coverage was less than the state averages. Regional studies in Maharashtra have repeatedly shown that irrigation intensity and agricultural yield are higher in western districts than in much of eastern Maharashtra. These differences subsequently led to calls for institutional safeguards. In contrast, in western Maharashtra, government moves are increasingly geared towards growth, not deficit reduction. The region’s success is built on industrial corridors, logistics infrastructure, urban mobility projects and advanced manufacturing clusters. Pune has emerged as a hub for vehicles, computer technology, defence production and startups. Mumbai remains a major draw for investment in metro rail networks, coastal roadways, financial services infrastructure and international business zones. Agricultural practices in western Maharashtra are in a relatively advanced stage of development. Irrigation coverage is much better than many districts in the east, so the authorities can concentrate on raising productivity, export-oriented, value-added farming and agro-processing industries. Western Maharashtra’s policy, in a nutshell, is to make competitive regions more competitive. Eastern Maharashtra is very different. Here, the Governments have not only focused on accelerating growth but also on reducing the backlog of development. The main policy question is irrigation. For many decades official studies have consistently identified irrigation as the most important factor for regional disparities. Even with dedicated funds, the backlog of irrigation in Vidarbha and Marathwada kept growing, requiring repeated interventions by successive governments. To tackle this, region-specific irrigation corporations, such as Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) and Godavari Marathwada Irrigation Development Corporation (GMIDC) were established with a specific mandate to speed up water infrastructure projects. The Union Government has sanctioned a special irrigation package for Vidarbha, Marathwada and draught prone areas of Maharashtra, with an objective to increase irrigation potential and improve water security of the farmers. Even today, a lot of public money is spent on irrigation projects in eastern Maharashtra. Government affidavits and parliamentary replies say crores of rupees are spent every year to make up for irrigation shortfalls and to finish long-pending projects. This emphasis reflects an important reality: while the western part of Maharashtra talks about competitiveness, the eastern part of Maharashtra continues to debate water access. Another area where there are divergent approaches is industrial policy. Market forces have played a major role in the industrial expansion of western Maharashtra, a process assisted by the existing infrastructure and urbanization. In contrast, Eastern Maharashtra has frequently depended on state-led interventions to draw investment to lagging regions. Projects such as the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), logistics corridors, special industrial incentives and infrastructure subsidies were to divert industrial expansion away from the Mumbai-Pune region. Likewise, recent government announcements have earmarked Vidarbha to become a future hub for solar energy, semiconductors, aerospace manufacturing and logistics, with Marathwada being pitched for electric vehicle and electronics investments. Whereas in western Maharashtra, the policy tends to buttress pre-existing advantages, in eastern Maharashtra the industrial policy aims to generate such advantages from the beginning. Regional Equilibrium These divisions have persisted, leading to separate institutions of governance. Vidarbha and Marathwada have statutory development boards to monitor regional imbalances and recommend corrective actions. Their emergence is an indication of a broader acceptance that market forces alone have not been adequate to promote balanced growth in Maharashtra. The second capital of Maharashtra is also Nagpur. The same ideology. The state legislature meets every winter in eastern Maharashtra to ensure that the issues concerning the region remain in the political focus. The issues discussed generally are irrigation, agriculture, tribal welfare and regional development in these sessions. The controversy over regional equity, however, is still unresolved. According to critics, despite decades of special packages and focused strategies, many irrigation projects continue to face delays, cost overruns and implementation problems. Several big projects in Vidarbha remain incomplete despite years of cash pledges. There is now a growing body of policy thinking that suggests that Maharashtra may have to give up the very terminology of backlog elimination. In its own discussion on balanced regional development, the state attaches more importance to reforms in governance, diversification of the economy and speeding up growth, than to compensatory spending. The challenge is not just building canals and roadways anymore but building lasting economic ecosystems that can hold on to talent, draw investment and create jobs beyond the traditional Mumbai-Pune boom corridor. The real test for Maharashtra will be whether future policies can turn Vidarbha and Marathwada from regions requiring special support to regions capable of driving growth on their own. Till then Maharashtra’s development story will be two stories. (The author is a columnist and climate researcher with experience in political research analysis and energy policy. Views personal.)

Why Women’s Nutrition Matters at Every Age

A nourished mother helps build a healthier generation.

Motherhood is a journey that evolves through various stages, each with its own physical, emotional and nutritional demands. On the occasion of Mother’s Day, it is important to shift the focus towards the health of mothers themselves, who form the foundation of families and communities.


As a clinical nutritionist, I often say, “A healthy mother builds a healthy generation.” Nutrition is not just about eating right; it is about fuelling the body appropriately through every phase of life.


Young Adulthood

Nutrition begins even before motherhood. A woman’s nutritional status prior to conception plays a crucial role in fertility, hormonal balance and the health of the future child. Proper nutrition during young adulthood also helps prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy later in life.


Adequate intake of nutrients such as folate, iron and vitamin B12 is essential at this stage. A balanced diet with the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats supports hormonal health and overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy weight and metabolic profile is equally important.


Poor nutrition during this phase can increase the risk of complications later, including gestational diabetes, anaemia and other pregnancy-related health concerns.


Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most nutritionally demanding phases in a woman’s life. During this period, the body is not just sustaining itself but also nurturing new life. Proper nutrition is therefore essential for both maternal and foetal health.


Adequate protein intake is important for foetal growth and development. Nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D support healthy bone development, while iron plays a key role in preventing anaemia during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for the baby’s brain development.


As a certified diabetic educator, I also stress the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is becoming increasingly common and often requires careful dietary planning, lifestyle management and regular medical supervision.


Postpartum

After childbirth, a mother’s body goes through a period of recovery while also producing nourishment for the baby. This phase places additional nutritional demands on the body, making proper nutrition essential for recovery and successful breastfeeding.


Increased calorie and protein intake helps support healing, strength recovery and adequate milk production. Hydration also becomes critical during lactation, while nutrients such as iron and calcium help replenish the body’s stores after childbirth.


Ignoring nutrition at this stage can lead to exhaustion, nutrient depletion and other long-term health concerns.


Midlife

Midlife is often a demanding phase for many women, especially those balancing career, family and personal responsibilities. In the process of managing multiple roles, health and nutrition are often neglected.


Common challenges during this stage include skipping meals, stress-related eating and poor sleep patterns. Irregular eating habits and long working hours can gradually affect energy levels and metabolic balance.


Consistent meal timing and a high-fibre diet can help support metabolic health. Proper dietary planning and blood sugar management also play an important role in preventing lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. Preventive nutrition is especially important at this stage, as small and sustainable habits can make a significant difference to long-term health and well-being.


Menopause and Beyond

Menopause brings hormonal changes that can affect metabolism, bone density and heart health. Nutritional needs also change during this phase, making mindful eating habits increasingly important for healthy ageing.

Nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of bone-related disorders. Foods rich in phytoestrogens, such as flaxseeds, may help support hormonal balance. Adequate protein intake is also important to prevent muscle loss and maintain strength with age. Heart-healthy fats should form an essential part of the diet to support cardiovascular health.


Women at this stage also face an increased risk of diabetes and other lifestyle-related conditions, making regular monitoring and proper dietary management important.


Mothers often prioritise the health and well-being of everyone else above their own. This Mother’s Day, let us encourage mothers to nourish themselves with the same care and dedication that they offer to their families every day. A nourished mother is the foundation of a thriving family and a stronger society.


(The writer is a nutrition expert. Views personal.)

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