District economy data: Govt issues uniform framework for district GDP estimates with 2022-23 base year

The statistics ministry on Wednesday released a uniform framework for compiling district-level economic output estimates with the revised base year of 2022-23, a move aimed at improving consistency and comparability of economic data across states and Union Territories, PTI reported.The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) said the finalised Guideline for Compilation of District Domestic Product (DDP) Estimates has been released after incorporating feedback received from states, UTs, academic institutions, researchers and other stakeholders.The National Statistics Office (NSO) had placed the draft guideline in the public domain on April 7 for consultation.According to the ministry, the guideline provides a comprehensive and standardised framework for preparing district-level economic estimates under the new base year series.The guideline covers concepts, data sources, estimation procedures and methodologies for compiling Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP), Net District Domestic Product (NDDP) and per capita income at the district level.It primarily advocates a bottom-up approach for preparing DDP estimates wherever district-level data is available.In sectors where such information is not available, the framework recommends top-down estimation methods and suitable allocation indicators to derive district-level estimates in a consistent manner.The ministry said the objective is to ensure consistency, comparability and methodological standardisation in district-level economic statistics across the country.At present, 26 states and Union Territories compile district domestic product estimates.MoSPI said it is continuing efforts to bring all states and UTs under a common framework for preparing DDP estimates.The ministry noted that the new guideline is expected to harmonise estimation practices across states and strengthen the institutional framework for district-level economic statistics.According to the ministry, reliable and comparable district-level economic estimates will support decentralised planning, evidence-based policymaking, regional development analysis and informed decision-making at the local level.The guideline is also expected to help states and UTs strengthen their statistical systems and improve capacity for preparing robust district-level economic estimates