Introduction
Per capita income is often used as a measure to compare the economic development of different states or countries. However, it may not always reflect the overall development and well-being of the people. This can be seen in the case of Kerala and Punjab, where Kerala has a lower per capita income but a better human development ranking than Punjab.

Human Development Index (HDI)
The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite measure of three indicators - life expectancy, education, and income. It provides a broader view of the development of a region or country, beyond just economic growth. Kerala has consistently ranked high on the HDI, indicating high levels of education and healthcare, despite having a lower per capita income than Punjab.

Economic Growth vs. Development
Per capita income is a measure of economic growth, which is essential for the development of a region. However, economic growth alone does not ensure overall development and well-being of the people. It is essential to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all sections of society.

Other factors influencing development
Several other factors influence the development and well-being of a region or country. These include access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and electricity, gender equality, social and political stability, etc. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that considers all these factors is necessary to assess the development of a region.

Conclusion
In conclusion, per capita income is not a useful criterion to compare the development of different states or countries. It is only one aspect of economic growth and does not reflect the overall well-being of the people. A broader approach that considers other factors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure is necessary to assess the development of a region.