Big cities like Mumbai, Pune key drivers, push up per capita income

MUMBAI: Mumbai, Thane and Pune continue to be the largest contributors to Maharashtra's economy; together, they make up 46.8% of the Gross State Domestic Product, with individual contributions of 22.1%, 13.3% and 11.4% per cent respectively.

Nashik is the biggest contributor to the state's agricultural output, with a share of 10.4% in the sector. As far as the industry sector is concerned, Mumbai, Thane and Pune again are the big bulwarks, having a combined share of nearly 50%, while Mumbai tops in the services sector among all districts at 27.4% and Thane comes in second at 14.1%.

The three top cities have also combined to keep the state at fourth position among states in terms of per capita income, the State Economic Survey for 2014-15 has revealed.

According to the first revised estimates of state income, the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) is estimated to increase by 14.2% from Rs 11,96,209 crore to Rs 13,65,149 crore at current prices. The per capita income is expected to go up to Rs 1,17,091 as compared to Rs 1,03 856 the previous year considering current prices.

Maharashtra comes in fourth after Delhi, Haryana and Sikkim when it comes to per capita income. The survey mentions that it is the second highest among 'major states'.

When contacted, A D Deo, director of economics and statistics, clarified that the state is at the number two position among major states and fourth among all states.

However, in terms of Human Development Index, the state is well below the top five ones with its average of 0.572.

As far as the literacy rate is concerned, Maharashtra is behind states such as Kerala, Mizoram, Tripura, Goa, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh.

Socio-economic indicators shows the state is third in terms of per capita deposit (Rs 1.75 lakh), after Delhi and Goa, whereas in per capita credit (Rs 1.54 lakh) it is second. Delhi is on top both in terms of deposit and credit, with Rs 4.14 lakh and Rs 4.20 lakh respectively.

According to the survey report, the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector and fruits and vegetables may grow by 1.1%, while food grains and even pulses and oilseeds may decline.

Manufacturing, mining and quarrying, electricity, gas and water supply and also construction (4.5%) are expected to grow in the range of 2.3% to 9.6%. Services like trade, hotels, transport and communication and services related to the broadcasting sector are expected to witness an 8.4% growth. The highest expectations are from the finance, real estate and professional services, which may grow 13.7%, and public administration, defence and other services may go up by 9%.