In a significant step towards enhancing data accessibility and informed policymaking, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to launch the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal on April 1, 2025, in New Delhi. Developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the portal aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for tracking economic, fiscal, and social indicators across Indian states.
This digital platform compiles a vast repository of data covering a span of over 30 years, from 1990-91 to 2022-23. It brings together critical information on state finances, socio-economic parameters, and research insights, providing a one-stop solution for researchers, policymakers, and analysts. The portal is designed to offer user-friendly access to extensive datasets, making complex economic information more accessible and interpretable.
The portal features four key components. First, the State Reports provide a structured overview of the macroeconomic and fiscal landscape of all 28 Indian states, covering key indicators related to demography, economic structure, and social progress. The second component, the Data Repository, categorizes information into five essential verticals—Demography, Economic Structure, Fiscal, Health, and Education—offering direct access to raw data. The third section, the State Fiscal and Economic Dashboard, presents interactive visualizations of economic trends, allowing users to track key variables over time and compare data across states. Finally, the Research and Commentary section curates expert analysis on state finances, fiscal policies, and economic management at both state and national levels.
By consolidating sectoral data in one place, the portal aims to bridge the information gap and facilitate meaningful discussions on economic trends and governance. It provides a benchmarking tool, enabling users to compare state-wise performance against national trends, fostering data-driven decision-making. The initiative is expected to empower policymakers with the insights needed for crafting effective economic strategies and development policies.
Beyond its utility for policymakers, the portal will also benefit researchers, academics, and industry professionals by offering a research hub enriched with historical trends and real-time analytics. By enabling users to track economic progress, identify emerging patterns, and conduct in-depth analyses, the portal will play a crucial role in advancing informed debates on India’s economic future. The launch of this initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transparency, data-driven governance, and inclusive growth.
