INTRODUCTION
With the evolution of the green revolution Punjab became India's fastest and richest growing state. It was the first to facilitate the public with basic service like electricity, irrigation canals, good roads and basic inputs for farms. During the 1990s the growth rate of Punjab declined as compared to other states. The movement for Khalistan generated a crisis in Punjab. Although with time it declined but left far reaching impacts on the economy of Punjab. Due to this Punjab began to be known as a "crisis ridden state" where problems of lawlessness prevailed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Small scale industry dominated the industrial sector of Punjab during the 1980s. There were no or less investments made by capitalists on large scale Industries moreover there was lack of minerals and fossil fuels to establish large scale Industries which shift the focus on small scale Industries.
Industries were majorly drifted to rural areas and Industries of rural areas increased at a higher pace. During the 1990s , the Industrial growth rate of rural areas was 28.5 percent against 24.6 percent in urban areas. Further, the green revolution contributed a huge round in the development of the industrial economy because of agriculture linkage with Industries. Government also shifted their focus towards agro based Industries. Although the industries made a great development, labour absorption capacity declined. State economy saw a great setback during the 1990s. The state which held the top position during the starting of the 1990s declined to 4th place by the end.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS
Jats led the supremacy in caste hierarchy in Punjab following them were Khatris. Jats were powerfully landowners. Other castes like Tarkhans and Kalals fell next to Khatris. Most of the caste were hostile to the Jat landlords. In urban areas , the upper strata of society was held by Sikh mercantile groups known as Bhapa and lower by craftsmen like Ramgharia, lobar, Nai etc. The position of women was at a lower rung. They were declined all opportunities, they lacked education, inheritance of property rights and skilled workforce etc. Although the green revolution pushed women into the workforce, they lost their economic independence and soon as their status increased they were first to leave the jobs. Discrimination against girl children was prevalent. Birth of a son on one hand was seen as an occasion of joy while on the other hand birth of Girl child was seen as disappointment. They were kept out of the agriculture process which made the agricultural sector male dominant. Sister was not allowed to ask for any share from parents ' property. Punjab had 822 females per 1000 males which was lower than the National average. Punjab consists of the highest Schedule caste population who experienced various upheavals like discrimination, deprivation. During the 1980s the status of dalits saw no changes. Movements like peasants movements and naxalite movement contributed in strengthening the position of dalits. For untouchables sikhs the demand for reservation was put forward by sikh community. Punjab government also assisted widows and destitute womens. Various schemes were launched such as National Maternity Benefit Scheme which provide financial help to womens under poverty line. There are various other schemes for girls such as Indira Mahila Yojana, Kanya Jagriti Jyoti Scheme and Girl child development Scheme, etc. Even the Istri Sabha of Punjab is working actively for imparting gender equality.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion the social and economic condition of Punjab can be concluded Where after the Green Revolution not only agriculture was boosted but agro based Industries saw a great uplifting which opened up the opportunity of employment for local labourers. The position of Dalits and Womens saw a great rise and reservations in Punjab. The Punjab contributed great in National economy.
BOOK REFERENCE ( CLICK TO BUY )
The Sikhs of the Punjab (The New Cambridge History of India)