Abstract: Region specific development concerns have always been factored in the strategies of inclusive and sustainable development in India. Hence parameters of structural regional backwardness which is determined by spatial and socioeconomic characteristics have always been given due weightage. The Kashmir valley, one of the regions of the state of Jammu and Kashmir with a population of 6.908 million (2011) is of significant importance for regional and urban planners not only because of its great potential for growth but also because of it geopolitical importance, the recent incursions and the increasing demand for development. The valley suffers from a stagnant economic growth, low levels of urbanization, lack of social facilities and services, low agricultural productivity and disadvantages of location. Within this overall stagnation in the valley there are districts which show characteristics of structural backwardness.