Where does Punjab Stand? RBI's Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2023-24.

Analyzing Punjab's Developmental Metrics: Challenges and Aspirations

Punjab's Developmental Metrics

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) concluded the tenure of its outgoing Governor, Shaktikanta Das, with the release of its much-anticipated Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2023-24. This comprehensive 504-page document is a treasure trove for researchers, statisticians, economists, bureaucrats, and policymakers. Its detailed tables and data sets provide profound insights into India's socio-economic landscape, state by state. However, understanding the granular details of such an expansive document can be daunting. But open any random page or table, and you might be disagreeably surprised to find Punjab lagging far behind the leading states in practically every socio-economic parameter, and often in the bottom half.

To bridge this gap, this summary attempts to distil Punjab’s performance in comparison to national averages and top-performing states across ten critical parameters.

Punjab’s Performance: Key Insights

1. Literacy Rate: Punjab’s literacy rate of 75.84% (2011) surpassed the national average of 72.99% but remained behind leaders like Kerala (94%) and Mizoram (91.33%). While literacy levels have steadily improved, Punjab must intensify efforts to compete with top achievers.

2. Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Punjab’s IMR of 18 per 1,000 live births in 2020 was well below the national average of 28. However, it lags behind states like Kerala (6) and Mizoram (3).

3. Life Expectancy: Punjab’s life expectancy stands at 72.5 years, outpacing the national average of 70 years. Despite being among the higher-ranked states, it trails Kerala (75 years) and Delhi (75.8 years).

4. Per Capita NSDP: Punjab has traditionally maintained a per capita Net State Domestic Product higher than the national average. Yet, other states with dynamic economies have outpaced its growth rate, highlighting the need for economic acceleration.

5. Agricultural Productivity: Punjab remains an agricultural powerhouse, excelling in wheat and rice yields. However, diversification and modernization of its agrarian economy remain pivotal.

6. Industrial Growth: Punjab’s industrial sector shows sluggish growth compared to Gujarat and Maharashtra. Enhancing industrial policies and attracting investment are vital for catching up.

7. Unemployment Rate: With rural male unemployment at 51 per 1,000 in 2023-24 (compared to the national average of 30), unemployment emerges as a pressing concern requiring immediate policy intervention.

8. Credit-Deposit Ratio: Punjab underperforms in utilizing credit for productive economic activities, with its credit-deposit ratio often lagging behind national benchmarks.

9. Social Sector Expenditure: While Punjab’s spending in social sectors aligns closely with the national average, it falls short compared to some of the most progressive states.

10. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index: Punjab performs above the national average but still has strides to make to match states like Kerala and Himachal Pradesh in sustainability measures.

The Call to Action

This data paints a mixed picture: Punjab has strong foundations in sectors like agriculture, life expectancy, and literacy but faces glaring challenges in employment, industrial growth, and fiscal management. The data acts as both a mirror and a motivator. Without proactive measures to address these disparities, Punjab risks stagnation and further marginalization in the race for state-level development.

The challenge is clear: Punjab must modernize its economic policies, improve social sector investments, and address systemic inefficiencies to compete with top performers. The vision of all the political parties and NGOs should align with these goals, focusing on education, nutrition, and microenterprises to uplift communities. Now is the time for collective action to pull Punjab from a middling position to a place of excellence.