For too long, the popular narrative about Bengal has been one of stagnation and missed opportunities. From coffee table pundits to policy wonks, the state has often been boxed into a tale of decline — a land where industry left, jobs dried up, and nothing quite replaced them. But what if that story is incomplete? What if Bengal’s quiet progress has simply not made it to the headlines? The recently released NCAER-NITI Aayog macroeconomic and fiscal landscape report (March 2025) paints a surprisingly hopeful picture — one that invites us to look beyond clichés and examine data with fresh eyes.
The Data That Challenges the Stereotype
Here are just a few highlights:
• Unemployment in Bengal is at 2.2%, significantly lower than the national average of 3.2%.
• The sex ratio at birth is 973 girls to 1000 boys — far more balanced than the Indian average of 889.
• The literacy rate is a healthy 76.3%, ahead of the national 73%.
• Life expectancy is 72.3 years, higher than India’s 70.
• Infant mortality and fertility rates are both lower than the national average.
• Girls in Bengal are more likely to enter higher education than in many other states — the Gender Parity Index is slightly above the national figure.
• Dropout rates are lower, and school pass percentages are higher than national norms.
• Households with access to drinking water (97.5%) and electricity (97%) match or exceed Indian benchmarks.
In short, Bengal seems to be investing in its people, and doing it rather well. What About the Economy? Yes, there are concerns. The real GSDP growth has been modest at 4.3% over the last decade, compared to the national 5.6%. The per capita income lags the Indian average by about 20%. And the debt-to-GSDP ratio remains high at 38.4%. But we need to look deeper.
• Manufacturing in the state has grown at an impressive 8.1% annually — higher than the national average.
• The services sector, which now makes up nearly 55% of the state’s economy, is growing steadily.
• Bengal is also one of the few large states where agriculture still plays a vital and stable role.
In other words, Bengal is not broken — it’s balancing. Why This Narrative Doesn’t Travel ? Despite this nuanced progress, Bengal continues to suffer from what one might call a “PR deficit.” While other states trumpet their achievements through investor summits, social media blitzes, and branding campaigns, Bengal’s tone remains modest — and sometimes even defensive. It doesn’t help that political polarization often drowns out developmental messaging. But in an age where perception drives investment, this needs to change. Reimagining Bengal’s Narrative. This is not about cosmetic spin. It’s about owning the facts. Bengal needs more chroniclers, not just critics — people who understand that development is as much about education, equity, and health, as it is about GDP.
So, here’s a call to action:
• To policymakers: build a storytelling culture that matches your social investments.
• To media: shine a light beyond the usual headlines.
• To citizens and diaspora: share the real stories from the ground. Because progress, when unspoken, is as good as invisible.
Final Thought
Bengal is not failing. It’s evolving — perhaps quietly, but meaningfully. And in the end, even progress needs packaging. It’s time to tell Bengal’s story — not just louder, but better.
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Books that enriches – India after Gandhi by Ramchandra Guha | Contesting democratic deficit by Salman Khurshid | The election that surprised India By Rajdeep Sardesai
Prithijit Lahiri is a management consultant, writer, and culture observer who blends data with insight to tell human-centric stories. With a sharp eye for overlooked narratives and a deep belief in the power of progress, he writes regularly on leadership, public discourse, and societal transformation. His voice is reflective yet provocative — always rooted in facts, but never afraid to challenge the status quo.