India’s economic growth story continues to unfold unevenly across states. As per the provisional estimates of GDP released by National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Goa emerged as the richest and Bihar as the poorest in terms of per capita income.
According to data tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Finance Ministry, the per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) at constant prices for the financial year 2023-24 reveals striking disparities.
Per capita income: Goa tops chart, followed by Sikkim
Goa topped the list with a per capita income of Rs 3.57 lakh in 2023-24, followed by Sikkim (Rs 2.92 lakh), Delhi (Rs 2.71 lakh), Chandigarh (Rs 2.56 lakh), and Puducherry (Rs 1.45 lakh). On the other end of the spectrum, Bihar recorded the lowest per capita income at just Rs 32,227, followed by Uttar Pradesh at Rs 50,341 and Jharkhand at Rs 65,062.
In response to a question raised by MPs Giridhari Yadav and Dinesh Chandra Yadav, the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, said: “As per the provisional estimates of GDP released by National Statistical Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the per capita net national income (NNI) at constant prices for 2024-25 stands at Rs 1,14,710. The per capita NNI at constant prices for ten years ago, that is 2014-15, was Rs 72,805.”
The minister further informed the House that “the increase in per capita income varies across States and UTs” and shared state-wise data in an annexure.
The data clearly shows that while states like Karnataka (Rs 1.91 lakh), Tamil Nadu (Rs 1.79 lakh), and Telangana (Rs 1.77 lakh) have witnessed strong growth, many others, especially in the eastern region, are still struggling to catch up.
Explaining the uneven growth, the minister noted that the differences can be attributed to several factors such as “varying levels of economic development, sectoral composition, structural disparities, and differences in governance mechanisms, among others”.
He added that the government is committed to the objective of inclusive growth, guided by the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
Here’s a quick look at the top five and bottom three states/UTs based on per capita income for 2023-24:
Top 5 States/UTs by Per Capita Income (2023-24)
Goa – Rs 3,57,611
Sikkim – Rs 2,92,339
Delhi – Rs 2,71,490
Chandigarh – Rs 2,56,912
Puducherry – Rs 1,45,921
Bottom 3 States by Per Capita Income (2023-24)
Bihar – Rs 32,227
Uttar Pradesh – Rs 50,341
Jharkhand – Rs 65,062
The figures underline the pressing need for targeted interventions to bridge the regional income gaps and ensure a more balanced economic development across the country.