This is the first edition of the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States. It provides statewise statistics on a wide range of features of the regional economy of India viz., social and demographic characteristics, state domestic product, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, banking and fiscal developments. Data sources are mentioned at the end of each table for ready reference.

This volume is the result of dedicated efforts by a team guided by Shri B.M. Misra, Principal Adviser, Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR) and consisting of Dr. P.K. Nayak, Director, Dr. Ramesh Golait, Assistant Adviser and Shri Sourit Das, Research Officer of Regional Economy Monitoring Division. All DEPR Regional Offices were involved in the compilation. We are grateful to two external referees for their incisive comments, which helped in improving the contents of the Handbook. We solicit comments and suggestions from readers, which would help us in improving its coverage and content in the future. Your responses may be sent to us at Email.

Michael Debabrata Patra
Executive Director
June 25, 2016