NSO Survey Highlights Uneven Distribution of India’s Informal Economy Across Districts
· India · LiveMint, Indian Express
The National Statistics Office’s (NSO) first district-level survey reveals that just 50 districts account for nearly one-third of India’s informal economy, including establishments, workers, and gross value added (GVA). The top 10 districts alone contribute about 10% of the sector’s total output, with Gujarat, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal featuring prominently. The survey covers 757 districts and excludes remote areas in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The data underscores regional disparities, with roughly one-third of districts having over 1 lakh unincorporated establishments and only 16 districts exceeding 5 lakh establishments. Policymakers can now target interventions more precisely to support lagging districts or boost high-concentration areas.
Why it matters
The findings provide policymakers with actionable insights to address economic inequality and foster inclusive growth, particularly in districts with high informal sector activity. It also highlights the need for tailored economic policies to support workers and businesses in underserved regions.
Read the original report — LiveMint
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