Assam Economy – An Overview

Area and Population

Assam is located in the North-East region of India, bordered by seven states: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and West Bengal, and two countries: Bhutan and Bangladesh. The state covers a geographical area of 78,438 sq. km, with 98.4% being rural. Assam contributes about 2.4% of India’s landmass and houses 2.6% of the country’s population as per the 2011 Census.

State Income

The economic development of Assam is measured by the growth of its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). As per the advance estimates, Assam’s nominal GSDP at current prices for FY 2023-24 is projected to be ₹5,70,243 crore, showing a growth of 15.6% over the previous year. The real GSDP at constant prices for FY 2023-24 is estimated at ₹3,18,559 crore, reflecting a growth of 5.9%. The state’s contribution to India’s GDP has risen from 1.65% in FY 2016-17 to 1.81% in FY 2022-23.

State Finance

Assam’s revenue receipts for FY 2023-24 are expected to be ₹1,14,085 crore, showing a growth of 27.12% from ₹89,742 crore in FY 2022-23. The state’s total revenue expenditure is expected to increase from ₹82,547.96 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹1,11,336.59 crore in FY 2023-24, with a significant portion allocated for salaries and pensions of government employees.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a crucial sector in Assam’s economy. The rice production for 2022-23 was 6,044,899 tonnes, a 37.93% increase from the previous year. The area under rice cultivation saw a decrease for autumn and winter rice but an increase for summer rice. The state also experienced an increase in pulses, food grains, and oilseeds production areas.

Population Overview

Important Features

Assam, located in the northeastern region of India, serves as the gateway to the area and is the largest state among the eight northeastern states. Assam is bordered by Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal, and the countries of Bhutan and Bangladesh. The state’s geographical area spans 78,438 square kilometers, representing 2.4% of India’s landmass and housing 2.6% of the national population according to the 2011 Census.

Life Expectancy at Birth

Data from the Sample Registration Survey (SRS) for 2010-14 indicates that Kerala has the highest life expectancy at birth (74.9 years) in India, while Assam has the lowest (63.9 years). Overall, the life expectancy at birth in India is 67.9 years. WHO data from 2018 shows life expectancy in India as 67.4 years for males, 70.3 years for females, and 68.8 years overall, with a world ranking of 125.

Population and Decadal Growth

As per the 2011 Census, Assam’s total population stood at 31,205,576, with 15,939,443 males and 15,266,133 females. The state’s decadal growth rate (DGR) from 2001 to 2011 was 17.07%, slightly lower than India’s overall rate of 17.68%. The density of population in Assam increased from 340 persons per square kilometer in 2001 to 398 persons in 2011. Comparatively, India’s population density rose from 325 to 368 persons per square kilometer during the same period.

Population Features at a Glance (2001 and 2011 Census)

Population: 26.7 million in 2001; 31.2 million in 2011
Decadal Growth: 18.92% in 2001; 17.07% in 2011
Density: 340 per sq. km in 2001; 398 per sq. km in 2011
Sex Ratio: 935 females per 1000 males in 2001; 958 in 2011
Literacy Rate: 63.25% in 2001; 72.19% in 2011 (Male: 77.85%, Female: 66.27%)
Urban Population: 12.9% in 2001; 14.09% in 2011
Rural Population: 87.1% in 2001; 85.9% in 2011

Population Distribution: Rural and Urban

In 2011, 86% of Assam’s population resided in rural areas, a decrease from 87% in 2001. The urban population increased from 12.9% to 14% during the same period. The rural population comprised 51.03% males and 48.97% females.

Sex Ratio

The sex ratio for all ages in Assam was 960 females per 1000 males in rural areas and 948 in urban areas as of the 2011 Census. The child sex ratio (age group 0-6 years) was 962 females per 1000 male children.

Slum Population

According to the 2011 Census, 31 towns in Assam reported slum populations, totaling 197,266 individuals, or 0.63% of the state’s total population. The literacy rate among the slum population was 72%, with male literacy at 76% and female literacy at 68%.

Literacy Rate

The overall literacy rate in Assam increased from 63.25% in 2001 to 72.19% in 2011. The literacy rates for rural and urban areas were 69.34% and 88.47%, respectively.

Language-wise Distribution of Population

The major scheduled languages spoken in Assam and their growth from 2001 to 2011 are as follows:

Assamese: 13,010,478 (2001) to 15,095,797 (2011) – 16.03% growth
Bengali: 7,343,338 (2001) to 9,024,324 (2011) – 22.89% growth
Bodo: 1,296,162 (2001) to 1,416,125 (2011) – 9.26% growth
Hindi: 1,569,662 (2001) to 2,101,435 (2011) – 33.88% growth

Demographic Indicators (2011-2021)

Population Growth Rate: 12.2% (2011-15); 9.3% (2021-25)
Crude Birth Rate (CBR): 20.3 (2011-15); 17.1 (2021-25)
Crude Death Rate (CDR): 7.5 (2011-15); 7.2 (2021-25)
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): 51.4 (2011-15); 41.5 (2021-25)
Under-5 Mortality Rate: 73.9 (2011-15); 59.6 (2021-25)
Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.34 (2011-15); 2.00 (2021-25)
Life Expectancy: Males – 63.51 years (2011-15); 67.01 years (2021-25). Females – 66.22 years (2011-15); 69.72 years (2021-25).

Summary

Assam’s demographic landscape highlights a state with significant rural population, gradual urbanization, improving literacy rates, and a relatively balanced sex ratio. The state faces challenges in population density and life expectancy, but efforts are ongoing to address these through various development initiatives and health programs.

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