GSDP in Nagaland estimated at Rs 39,566 crore, growth at 7.73%

State is first in North East to release report on District Domestic Product

Our Correspondent 
Kohima | June 22 

Nagaland became the first state in the North East to release the report on the District Domestic Product (DDP). 

Advisor for Economics & Statistics and IT & C, H. Sethrongkyu Sangtam released the 1st report on the District Domestic Product of Nagaland during the one-day state-level workshop to promote User Producer Interface on Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and District Domestic Product (DDP) held at Capital Convention Centre, Kohima on June 21. 

Speaking as the guest of honour, Sethrongkyu stated that GSDP was the most important indicator to know the level of development achieved by economy. He informed that the GSDP of Nagaland at present was estimated to be Rs 39,566 crore with a growth rate of 7.73%. 

Emphasising its importance, he said GSDP estimate is used by the Ministry of Finance for devolution of funds to the states. He also said that as per the Finance Commission’s recommendation, state governments are allowed to borrow 3% of the estimated GSDP from financial institutions. 

He added that the 16th Finance Commission will use the estimates to establish the principles governing the grant-in-aid provision to the states. He stated that in order to avail grants, urban local bodies’ revenue collection should be commensurate to the simple average growth rate of the state’s own GSDP at current prices. He said that the availability of a reliable socio-economic data is essential towards achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Advisor Sethrongkyu said the District Domestic Product (DDP) report will help address the inter-district economic disparity in the state and bring about balanced regional development and realize the economic potential of each district.  

He informed that as per the report, Dimapur district has the largest economy with a GSDP value of Rs 5, 43,611 lakh during 2019-20, while Longleng is the smallest with a value of Rs 62,112 lakh. He also said that Dimapur district has the highest per capita income with a value of Rs 1, 54, 002 while Mon has the lowest amongst the districts with a value of Rs 77,738. Sangtam called upon the officers and staff to work diligently and usher the people to greater economic prosperity and social inclusivity.

Chief Secretary, Dr J Alam acknowledged the significant improvement in the quality of data being published by the department and commended their efforts. He emphasized the negative impact of data when it is understated or overstated due to inaccurate figures, leading to grievances when data is not properly projected.

Dr Alam highlighted the issue of regional disparity and mentioned that the DDP will help in dispelling the wrong perceptions about the state. He requested the Additional Heads of Departments (AHoDs) and Heads of Departments (HoDs) to maintain a strong interface with the statistics department, ensuring that the data they supply is as accurate as possible and promptly provided.

Special invitee, Additional Director & Head, National Accounts Division, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India, Dr Prafulla Chandra Mishra stated that GSDP is the pulse monitor of a state’s economy while the GDP is the pulse monitor of the economy. 

He said that the District Domestic Product report will play a crucial role in achievement of the aspirational district and also in local development. He also highlighted on the importance of comparative analysis of the performance of the state. Dr Mishra congratulated the Department for being a model and releasing the District Domestic Product report.

Addressing the gathering, Commissioner & Secretary, Economics & Statistics, IT & C P, Mohammad Ali Shihab. A, emphasized the importance of accurate and quality data for informed policy-making and development planning. 

The introduction of the DDP is a significant step towards understanding the economic dynamics at the district level and addressing regional disparities and workshop aims to promote the user-producer interface and enhance the understanding of GSDP and DDP among various stakeholders, Shihab said.

Delivering the welcome address, Director, Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Neidilhou Keditsu said that the State Government was making huge effort to create a system for robust estimation of GSDP. He said the efficiency in data collection, transparency in data utilization and transmission of data adequately is crucial for a sound economy. 

The workshop had three technical sessions where Deputy Director General, National Accounts Division, MoSPI, Dr Subhra Sarker spoke on the importance of regional accounts and Joint Director, National Accounts Division, Shirke Shrinivas Vijay gave the overview of GSDP. Deputy Director, Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Vikosieto Krose spoke on the details of District Domestic Product.

The event was organized by the Directorate of Economics & Statistics and was attended by senior government officials, policymakers, and representatives from the line departments.