Federalism and data

• NITI Aayog and NCAER have launched the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum, a portal for data and analysis on State finances.
• The platform presents State-wise reports on macroeconomic indicators, human development statistics, and historical trends in central fund devolution.
• The data is sourced from established sources like the 2011 Census, the Periodic Labour Force Survey, and the Reserve Bank of India’s State Finances Report.
• The comparative presentation across States provides clarity to diverse fiscal realities of India.
• The portal can help anchor contentious debates in facts rather than sentiment, addressing fiscal relations and political power-sharing between the Union and the States.
• Effective use of the data depends on ongoing engagement by States, especially through institutions like the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
• The platform offers a credible starting point for fostering informed, pragmatic conversations around governance, development, and the future of Indian federalism.