On Sunday, Rajasthan, with a tradition of throwing out incumbent governments, will go to polls. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot of the Congress is asking for votes on his pro-people governance, which has included liberal spending on social security schemes, such as free medicine.
This is reflected in numbers, as the state has been consistent in allocating half its total spend on social security. Yet, it has a high infant mortality rate, poor sex ratio and a lack of toilet facilities.
The state, however, has positives in spite of a high rural population. The proportion of people with access to banking facility is higher than the national average. So, too, is the case with households having mobiles and treated water.
In the third instalment of a series leading to Assembly elections in five states, Business Standard provides an analysis of the performance and health of its economy.
