Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled the “NITI NCAER States Economic Forum” portal in New Delhi. Developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), the portal serves as a comprehensive repository of State finances, providing data on social, economic, and fiscal parameters from 1990-91 to 2022-23, according to NITI Aayog.
Speaking at the launch event, Sitharaman highlighted the portal’s role in ensuring authentic and accessible financial data for states. She stated that the platform would enable states to make informed policy interventions, improve revenue management, and learn from peer experiences. She also stressed the need for balance in public finances, ensuring revenue generation without imposing excessive burdens on citizens.
Dr. Poonam Gupta, Director General of NCAER, underscored the significance of the portal in understanding the diverse fiscal trajectories of states. She noted that a centralized platform would allow policymakers to compare financial strategies and make well-informed decisions.
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam described the initiative as a valuable public knowledge resource, promoting fiscal awareness and learning across states. He further termed the forum a “permanent asset for the nation”, aiding in data-driven economic policymaking.
Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman K Bery, emphasized that the forum represents a significant step toward data-driven research, particularly in public finance management.
