Less well-off states need to catch up

According to available data on Net State Domestic Product (NSDP), there appears to be great disparity in inter-state growth rates. Looking at the growth in NSDP of individual states, there is evidence on the widening gap between better-off States from others. Maharashtra has shown the greatest growth in NSDP.

The state had a figure of Rs 116.5 crore in 1994-95, which grew to Rs 328 crore in 2004-05. Similarly for Uttar Pradesh (Rs 82 .6 crore in 1994-95 to Rs 205.2 crore in 2004-05) and West Bengal (Rs 56.2 crore to Rs 189.4 crore in the same period) NSDP growth has been better compared to most states. Andhra Pradesh too posed impressive growth figures, from Rs 61 crore in 1994-05 to Rs 183 crore in 2004-05. Tamil Nadu’s NSDP grew over Rs 100 crore from Rs 61.2 crore in 1994-95 to Rs 167 crore in 2004-05.

However, Goa, with NSDP rising a mere Rs 4 crore in 10 years from Rs 3 crore in 1994-95 has showed a dismal performance. Jammu and Kashmir too fared poorly with NSDP rising from Rs 6 crore in 1994-95 to Rs 18 crore in 2004-05.