Why in the news
NITI Aayog released an index comparing how well States and UTs attract investment, to encourage competitive and cooperative federalism.
About the index
- A data-driven benchmarking tool by NITI Aayog, tied to Viksit Bharat @2047 through Viksit Rajya @2047.
- Origins: suggested at the 9th Governing Council Meeting (July 2024); announced in Union Budget 2025-26.
- Coverage: 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
- Pillars (eight): infrastructure, business climate, resources, government policy, regulatory ease, plus institutional setting, financial health and environmental resilience.
Score bands
| Band | Score |
|---|
| Top Performers | Above 50 |
| Frontrunners | 45 to 50 |
| Emerging Performers | 40 to 45 |
| Aspiring States | Below 40 |
Rankings
| Group | First three |
|---|
| Overall (top five) | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, then Goa and Odisha |
| Large States | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu |
| Hilly and North-Eastern | Uttarakhand, Assam, Himachal Pradesh |
| UTs / City States | Goa, Delhi, Chandigarh |
Exam angle
- Publisher: NITI Aayog; pillars: eight; overall topper: Gujarat.
- Hilly and North-Eastern leader: Uttarakhand.