Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh—three states created in November 2000—entered their 25th year in 2025 with hopes of self-rule, cultural identity, and better development.
However, two decades later, their progress charts show a sharp divide, with Uttarakhand rising faster while the mineral-rich states Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh continue to struggle.
A Tale of Three States: Same Beginning, Different Outcomes
November has been called the “mother month” of Indian state formation”, with 14 states and union territories shaped during this period.
Among them, these three newly formed states aimed to protect their cultural identity and improve governance.
While all witnessed progress, Uttarakhand’s growth story stands out, exposing why Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh—despite enormous natural wealth—could not keep pace.
Key Development Gap: Why Resource-Rich States Lag Behind
Per Capita Income: Uttarakhand Leads the Chart
In 2024–25:
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Uttarakhand: ₹2.65 lakh
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Chhattisgarh: ₹1.45 lakh
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Jharkhand: ₹95,000
Despite having fewer natural resources, Uttarakhand records almost double the income of the other two states.
GDP Growth Comparison (2023–24)
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Uttarakhand: 8.2%
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Chhattisgarh: 7.9%
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Jharkhand: 6.8%
Poverty Levels (NITI Aayog 2023)
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Jharkhand: 36.9%
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Chhattisgarh: 29.1%
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Uttarakhand: 17.2%
Even with massive mineral revenue—₹28,000 crore in Jharkhand and ₹22,000 crore in Chhattisgarh—economic growth has not reached ordinary citizens.
Literacy Rates
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Uttarakhand: 88.3%
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Chhattisgarh: 77.3%
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Jharkhand: 71.4%
Why Uttarakhand Moved Ahead
1. Strong Governance & Stable Leadership
Uttarakhand benefited from experienced early leadership, especially under N.D. Tiwari, who built institutions, improved administration, and laid a firm economic base.
2. Tourism, Hydropower & Services-Based Growth
The state built its economy around tourism, hydropower, and service-sector expansion, creating steady jobs and attracting investment.
3. Safe Environment & Better Administration
Uttarakhand faces:
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No caste-related conflicts
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No Naxal insurgency
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More efficient bureaucracy, inherited from Uttar Pradesh
Investors prefer safe, transparent regions—giving Uttarakhand a clear advantage.
Why Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh Struggled Despite Massive Resources
1. Political Instability in Jharkhand
Jharkhand saw:
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11 Chief Ministers
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3 phases of President’s Rule
Key leaders including Madhu Koda, Shibu Soren, and Hemant Soren faced corruption charges.
2. Naxalism & Security Issues
Naxal influence affected:
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18 districts in Jharkhand
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10 districts in Chhattisgarh
This discouraged industries and slowed development.
3. Environmental Damage & Displacement
Mining caused:
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Loss of 40% of forests in Jharkhand
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Heavy deforestation in Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Aranya
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Displacement of 2.5 million tribals in Jharkhand
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Displacement of 1.8 million tribals in Chhattisgarh
4. Weak Administrative Foundations
As new states, both had to build administrative systems from the ground up, unlike Uttarakhand which benefited from a ready framework.
Strengths Each State Holds
Jharkhand
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Hosts major industries: Coal India, SAIL, Tata Steel
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Produces 40% of India’s coal
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Strong academic presence: IIT, IIM, AIIMS
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Ranchi & Jamshedpur developed as smart cities
Chhattisgarh
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Industrial zones like Bhilai and Korba drive the economy
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Known for the Chhattisgarh Model of Food Security
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Over 500 schools opened in Naxal regions since 2014
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National recognition for organic farming
Challenges Uttarakhand Still Faces
Despite better progress, Uttarakhand struggles with:
1. Mass Migration
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Over 1,500 villages deserted
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Nearly 10 lakh youth moved out for jobs
2. Natural Disasters
Events like the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy and 2023 Joshimath crisis cause annual losses of around ₹5,000 crore.
3. Inequality Between Hills and Plains
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Plains like Haridwar earn nearly double compared to hilly districts
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40% of the state’s GDP comes from only three plains districts
The Road Ahead: What Each State Must Do
Jharkhand
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Allocate more mineral revenue to tribal welfare
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Enforce PESA Act to ensure jobs for locals
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Improve political stability and transparency
Chhattisgarh
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Strengthen its food security model
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Expand organic farming to a global level
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Improve infrastructure in tribal belts
Uttarakhand
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Establish a Lokayukta to fight corruption
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Develop strong disaster management systems
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Create jobs in hill districts to stop migration
