West Bengal’s economy has lost its sheen despite being a maritime economy, according to a recent paper released by the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. An MC analysis of data from the study shows that while West Bengal had one of the highest per capita incomes relative to the national average, in FY61 (1960-61), but it lost out to southern states over the last five decades.  The decline in relative share was highest among all states at 43 percentage points from close to 130 percent in FY61 to around 80 percent in FY24. Similarly, in the case of share in the economy, the eastern state has lost the most since FY61 alongside UP, with its share of the economy declining 4.9 percentage points in FY24. Further analysis by Moneycontrol shows that its finances aren’t better than other states.

West Bengal’s economic performance has worsened

Its share in the national economy has shrunk

Per capita income is also relatively lower

And, the finances are no better either