'Growth failed to keep pace': West Bengal economy witnessed consistent decline over decades, says EAC-PM paper

West Bengal has experienced a consistent decline in its relative economic performance over several decades, according to a working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).

The paper, authored by EAC-PM member Sanjeev Sanyal, said the development of the eastern part of the country remains a concern. Maritime states have clearly outperformed other states, with the exception of West Bengal, stated the paper titled 'Relative Economic Performance of Indian States: 1960-61 to 2023-24'. 

"West Bengal, which held the third-largest share of national GDP at 10.5 per cent in 1960-61, now accounts for only 5.6 per cent in 2023-24. It has seen a consistent decline throughout this period," the paper said. "West Bengal's per capita income was above the national average in 1960-61 at 127.5 per cent, but its growth failed to keep pace with national trends. As a result, its relative per capita income declined to 83.7 per cent in 2023-24, falling below that of even traditionally laggard states like Rajasthan and Odisha." 

Bihar's relative position has stabilised in the last two decades, but it remains significantly behind other states and requires much faster growth to catch up, the paper noted, adding that Odisha, traditionally a laggard, has shown a marked improvement in recent years. The western and southern regions of India have performed notably better than other parts of the country from 1960-61 to 2023-24, the paper said. 

Southern states have significantly outpaced others after economic liberalisation in 1991, with the five states -- Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu -- collectively accounting for approximately 30 per cent of India's GDP in 2023-24. "Before 1991, southern states did not show exceptional performance. However, since the economic liberalisation of 1991, southern states have emerged as the leading performers," it said.

In addition, per capita income of all southern states became higher than the national average after 1991. In the north, the paper added, states like Delhi and Haryana also stood out. "Delhi has one of the highest per capita incomes throughout the study period." 

Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu were home to India's 3 largest industrial clusters in the 1960s, according to the paper. "Their fortunes subsequently diverged - Maharashtra showed broadly steady performance throughout, West Bengal's share has been in continuous decline. After a decline, Tamil Nadu picked up post-1991." 

All data used are in current prices and the analysis spans 1960-61 to 2023-24.

(With inputs from PTI)