NITI NCAER States Economic Forum
The NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), has launched the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum, a portal that consolidates data and analysis on state finances.
Key Features of the Portal
- Provides State-wise reports covering macroeconomic indicators such as tax and non-tax revenues.
- Includes human development statistics like school dropout rates, literacy levels, and employment.
- Offers historical trends in the devolution of central funds.
Significance
- This portal is particularly timely amid renewed scrutiny of Centre-State relations, especially in the southern States.
- While data is sourced from the 2011 Census, Periodic Labour Force Survey, and RBI’s State Finances Report, its comparative format enhances clarity on India's diverse fiscal realities.
Challenges and Importance
- Concerns about the quality of economic data persist, affecting the portal.
- Despite these challenges, the portal helps shift debates on fiscal issues to a factual basis, aiding discussions on revenue-sharing and parliamentary delimitation.
Implications for Federalism
- Effective data use requires continuous engagement from States and institutions like the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
- Regional data must inform policies ensuring fair representation, resource allocation, and administrative responsibility.
- Discussions on federalism often narrow to polarized topics such as the three-language policy, risking parochialism.
Conclusion
The portal is not a comprehensive solution but a credible starting point for informed discussions on governance, development, and Indian federalism. Cooperation, transparency, and trust are essential for balancing centralisation with regional needs.
