NITI Aayog to open portal on States finances today, Pg 14

Key Highlights

Launch of NITI-NCAER States Economic Forum

• New portal by NITI Aayog & NCAER to track 30 years of State finances (1990-91 to 2022-23).
• Will host State reports, dashboards, and expert commentary across five verticals.

Purpose & Features

• Will benchmark State data against national averages and other States.
• Features graphical dashboards on macro, fiscal, and socio-economic trends.
• Includes research papers and policy commentary.

Benefits

• Aims to enhance fiscal transparency, enable informed policymaking, and resolve disputes over resource sharing.
• Provides a one-stop platform for State-wise comparisons and debates.

Analysis & Way Forward

• A major step towards cooperative and competitive federalism.
• Will help resolve concerns over resource distribution, promote data-driven governance, and improve public accountability.

Mains Mock Question:

_"How can digital data platforms improve fiscal transparency and strengthen Centre-State relations in India? Discuss with reference to the NITI Aayogs new portal on State finances."_