Mapping development in a transformative state: Health and education in Uttar Pradesh

UP development story has been fascinating to many scholars. The state that was once categorized as BIMARU state, has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. The credit goes to the positive and inclusive role of the state in the economy. Mass parties like BSP and SP ruled the state for many years. These parties promised dignity to the marginalized groups but could not succeed to promote their socio-economic development. BJP came to power with a promise to improve the developmental status of these groups. The overall status of the backward communities has been undergoing a significant improvement. Health and education which were two most neglected sectors got major attention in BJP government. This paper would highlight the political action and policy initiatives taken by the BJP government in UP particularly in education and health sectors and relate it with the shift towards politics of development from politics of identity in contemporary times.