Development Dynamics in Jhargram (West Bengal): What is Revealed from PCR and PLS Estimation?

Human development is an informative notion that combines a wide range of issues concerning people’s lives, freedom and well-being. Assessing the levels of human development of a region is crucial for initiating strategic development. Recognising the significance of the Human Development Index, our study focuses on evaluating development at the block level within the tribal district of Jhargram, West Bengal. We use three key indicators—income, education and health-related quality of life as metrics to measure human development. Our analysis reveals a significant degree of spatial differentiation in development levels across the blocks. Using principal component analysis, we find that the interior blocks exhibit higher development levels compared to the northern and southern blocks. This inter-block variability necessitated further examination through advanced models such as principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS). The PLS model proved to be the most effective, as evidenced by its lower root mean square error in predicting development levels. The results emphasise the importance of targeted government interventions and increased awareness to enhance development dynamics across all blocks, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources and improving overall human development in the region. JEL Codes: O15, C38, R58