Measuring States and Districts

Why India needs reliable data for states and districts, how district GDP and indices like the Aspirational Districts dashboard work, and gaps in local data.

National averages hide large differences between states and districts.

State data

States publish Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimates.
Quality varies across states.

District data

District GDP estimates are produced by some states but methods vary.
NFHS provides district-level health data.
The Aspirational Districts Programme (2018) tracks 112 districts on indicators like health, education and infrastructure through a public dashboard.

Other indices

NITI Aayog’s SDG India Index.
Multidimensional Poverty Index at state and district levels.

Why local data matter

Targeting schemes where need is greatest.
Accountability of local officials.
Competition between districts to improve rankings.

Gaps

Small samples make district survey estimates noisy.
Local statistical capacity is weak.

Satellite data

Researchers use night lights and satellite images to estimate local economic activity where official data are missing.

The district dashboard

An aspirational district's collector sees it ranked low on child immunisation. She launches a campaign, and the district climbs the rankings within a year.

Thinking national averages describe every region

Large differences exist across states and districts.

Key takeaways

States publish GSDP; district data are patchy.
The Aspirational Districts Programme tracks 112 districts.
Local data help targeting and accountability.
Satellite data fill gaps.