The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released final guidelines for the compilation of District Domestic Product estimates with base year 2022-23, aiming to bring uniformity and comparability in district-level economic statistics across states and Union Territories.
The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the ministry had uploaded the draft guidelines on the official MoSPI website on 7 April 2026 for consultation and feedback from stakeholders, including states, Union Territories, academic institutions, researchers and other users of sub-state level statistics.
After examining comments and suggestions received from stakeholders, the finalised Guideline for Compilation of District Domestic Product Estimates has now been released and uploaded on the MoSPI website.
The guidelines provide a uniform framework for compiling District Domestic Product estimates across states and Union Territories under the revised base year framework.
The objective is to ensure consistency, comparability and methodological standardisation in district-level economic estimates.
The document covers concepts, coverage, data sources, estimation procedures and methodologies for compiling Gross District Domestic Product, Net District Domestic Product and Per Capita Income at the district level.
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The guidelines primarily emphasise the use of the bottom-up approach wherever feasible, based on the availability of district-level data.
For sectors where district-wise information is not adequately available, the guidelines recommend suitable top-down approaches and appropriate allocation indicators to derive district-level estimates in a consistent manner.
At present, 26 states and Union Territories compile District Domestic Product estimates.
MoSPI said it is making continuous efforts to onboard all states and Union Territories for compiling these estimates in a uniform and comparable manner.
The ministry said the final guidelines are expected to harmonise estimation practices across states and Union Territories and strengthen the institutional framework for preparing district-level economic statistics.
Reliable and comparable District Domestic Product estimates are expected to support decentralised planning, evidence-based policy formulation, regional development analysis and informed decision-making at the district level.
The guidelines are also expected to help states and Union Territories improve data systems and strengthen statistical capacity for preparing robust district-level estimates.
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