India’s states are often compared to countries in Europe, both in geographic spread and population scale. Yet, economic planning and policy continue to adopt a one-size-fits-all model that fails to reflect the immense intra-state diversity. Achieving ambitious state-level targets, like Assam’s goal of becoming a $143 billion economy by 2030, requires a more granular, allocatively efficient approach. These targets have to be distributed to the sub-state or district level. Districts must become the unit of development strategy: empowered with data, equipped with local plans, and held accountable for outcomes. As emphasised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the National Conference of Chief Secretaries, India must move toward making the “district the fulcrum of development.”

The vertical proposes a two-pronged strategy to actualise this vision.

The current GDP apportionment process flows top-down—national to state to district—based on national ratios that rarely capture on-ground realities. DLD vertical inverts this method by proposing a bottom-up estimation of District Domestic Product (DDP) through three primary surveys:

  • Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) to capture organised manufacturing,
  • Labour Force Survey (LFS) to estimate secondary sector value added, and
  • Annual Survey of Unincorporated Enterprises (ASUSE) for tertiary sector insights.

This approach not only creates a more accurate baseline but also enables real-time tracking of key performance indicators (e.g., labour force participation rate). Novel data sources like electricity usage, GST filings, and satellite imagery further enrich state accounts and improve district-level diagnostics.

Every district’s development potential is unique. DLD vertical supports the creation of district-specific blueprints through deep engagement with local stakeholders. These plans align with local economic strengths and address critical bottlenecks. For instance, a district rich in agriculture but lacking processing infrastructure can prioritize agro-industrial development while investing in logistics and skilling.