The Committee noted that while industry is a State subject, the Central Government's initiatives are vital for industrial development of all states.
- Earlier, the Economic Survey 2024-25 also highlighted significant disparities in industrial development across states.
Uneven Industrial Growth in States
- While states like Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh effectively leverage industrial dependence, northern and eastern states show low industrialization levels.
- Manufacturing is unevenly distributed, with Tamil Nadu leading in factory concentration and Bihar having an extremely low presence.
Reasons for Uneven Industrial Growth in All States
- Historical Factors: Regional imbalances started during the British regime, concentrating development in areas like West Bengal and Maharashtra.
- Geographical Factors: Difficult terrain (e.g., Himalayan and North-Eastern states) also impedes growth.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: Power, transport, and land availability vary across states, hindering industrial growth in regions such as the North-Eastern Region and Bihar.
- Policy & Planning Disparities: The Green Revolution's benefited few states like Punjab and Haryana, exacerbating imbalances.
Way Forward
- The Economic Survey 2025 emphasized balanced industrial policies, deregulation, and infrastructure improvements for sustainable growth.
- Effective Centre-state cooperation is crucial, with the Centre supporting lagging regions in infrastructure, education, skill development, and credit.