NITI Aayog and NCAER launched the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum, a portal aggregating data on State finances.
It provides State-wise reports on macroeconomic indicators, including tax revenues, human development stats (like literacy, employment), and central fund devolution trends.
The portal aims to clarify fiscal disparities among States, especially as Centre-State relations face renewed scrutiny, particularly in southern States.
Data sources include the 2011 Census, Labour Force Survey, and RBI’s State Finances Report, presented in a comparative, user-friendly format.
While the data isn’t new, its structured presentation helps anchor debates on revenue-sharing and political power dynamics in facts.
The portal’s effectiveness depends on active use by States, supported by bodies like the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
Federalism discussions often become polarised, but data-driven dialogue can promote fairness in resource allocation and governance.
The platform isn’t a complete solution but serves as a credible starting point for informed, transparent discussions on governance and federalism.
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