The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has published the ninth edition of its Handbook of Statistics on Indian States for 2023-24. This comprehensive statistical publication offers crucial vital information about regional economies across India. The data spans socio-demographics, health, state domestic product, agriculture, environment, and more. The handbook includes updated data series and introduces eight new tables on key indicators.
Overview of the Handbook
The Handbook provides a wealth of information covering various aspects of state of Indias. It includes statistics from 1951 to 2024. This extensive dataset aids policymakers, researchers, and the public in understanding regional disparities and economic trends. The new tables feature indicators like the Gender Parity Index and Gross State Value Added.
Key Economic Contributors
According to the latest edition, Telangana now ranks as the seventh largest contributor to India’s economy for 2023-24. Its net state domestic product reached Rs 13.61 lakh crore, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. Maharashtra remains the top contributor, followed by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Wage Dynamics in Rural India
The handbook also marks wage disparities among rural workers. Kerala leads with the highest average daily wage of over Rs 700. In contrast, Madhya Pradesh has the lowest average wage at Rs 292. The data reveals wage differences across agricultural, non-agricultural, and construction sectors.
Closing Wage Gaps
Despite substantial gaps in wages, poorer states are narrowing the divide. The difference in construction wages between Kerala and the lowest-paying states has decreased from 4.5 times in 2014-15 to three times in 2023-24. States like Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have shown impressive growth rates, contributing to this trend.
Importance of Socio-Demographic Indicators
The handbook’s socio-demographic data is vital for assessing the well-being of populations. Indicators such as health, education, and infrastructure are crucial for understanding regional development. This data can inform targeted interventions to improve living standards.
Environmental and Agricultural
The publication also addresses environmental issues and agricultural performance. It provides data on afforestation efforts and climate impacts, such as heat and cold wave days. This information is essential for sustainable development planning.
Banking and Fiscal Indicators
The RBI’s handbook includes banking and fiscal statistics that reflect the financial health of states. This data is crucial for assessing economic stability and guiding investment decisions.
Future Implications
The insights from the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States are invaluable for future policy-making. They enable better understanding of economic trends and regional disparities. This knowledge is essential for encouraging balanced growth across India.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of socio-demographic indicators in assessing regional development in India.
- Critically examine the factors contributing to wage disparity among rural workers in India.
- Explain the role of state domestic product in evaluating economic performance of state of Indias.
- With suitable examples, discuss how environmental indicators influence agricultural policies in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of socio-demographic indicators in assessing regional development in India.
- Socio-demographic indicators provide vital information about population health, education, and living standards.
- They help identify disparities and target interventions for underdeveloped areas.
- Data on gender parity, age distribution, and employment rates inform policy-making.
- Indicators can influence resource allocation and infrastructure development.
- They are essential for monitoring progress towards national development goals.
2. Critically examine the factors contributing to wage disparity among rural workers in India.
- Regional economic variations lead to differing demand for labor and wage rates.
- Education and skill levels affect earning potential among workers.
- Sectoral differences, such as agriculture vs. construction, create wage gaps.
- Government policies and minimum wage laws impact rural wage structures.
- Market access and infrastructure development also play crucial roles in wage determination.
3. Explain the role of state domestic product in evaluating economic performance of states in India.
- State domestic product (SDP) measures the economic output and health of a state’s economy.
- It helps compare economic performance across states and identify growth trends.
- SDP is critical for assessing the impact of policies and investments on economic growth.
- About SDP aids in resource allocation and fiscal planning by the government.
- It reflects the standard of living and economic well-being of the population.
4. With suitable examples, discuss how environmental indicators influence agricultural policies in India.
- Indicators like afforestation rates inform policies aimed at sustainable agricultural practices.
- Data on climate impacts (e.g., heat waves) guide crop selection and resource management.
- Soil health indicators influence fertilizer and irrigation policies to enhance productivity.
- Water availability data shapes policies on water conservation and irrigation techniques.
- Environmental assessments help in formulating policies that balance agricultural growth and ecological sustainability.
