Can you name some resource rich but economically backward regions and some resource poor but economically developed regions? Give reasons for such a situation.
The states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are rich in minerals and coal deposits but are economically backward. Arunachal Pradesh has an abundance of water resources but lacks infrastructural development. On the contrary, there are regions with a poor resource base that are economically developed.
This situation exists because the availability of resources is a necessary condition for development but not a sufficient one. Resources can contribute to development only when they are accompanied by appropriate technological development and institutional changes.
Mere availability of resources in the absence of technology and institutions hinders development. Historically, colonising countries with higher technological levels exploited resources from other regions, establishing their supremacy. Thus, the quality of human resources and historical experiences also play a crucial role in development.
Explanation
The answer is derived strictly from the provided context. It identifies specific resource-rich but backward regions (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh) mentioned in the text. While the text mentions that resource-poor but developed regions exist, it does not name specific examples, so the answer focuses on the existence of such regions and the reasons provided. The core reason cited is the lack of technology and institutional changes, which prevents resource abundance from translating into economic growth, a point explicitly made in the context regarding colonisation and development.