However, regional imbalances persist as a major challenge to the Indian nation in the form of economic disparities between different regions. Colonialism had created modem economic infrastructure according to its needs for the market and raw materials. The major reason at an all India level has been the low rate of economic growth. The rate of economic growth in India in the 1960s and 70s was about 3.5% and about 5% in the 80s. This was not significant enough to impart regional equality despite policies consciously designed to favour backward regions being followed.