West Bengal’s performance in the SKOCH State of Governance Report 2024 marks a significant comeback, with the state securing the #5 position nationally. This is a remarkable improvement given its fluctuating rankings over the past decade. A total of 17 well-performing projects were recognised in 2024, including five classified as highly impactful and six as impactful. This strong performance underscores a renewed focus on governance innovation and cross-sectoral impact.
Notably, West Bengal demonstrated exemplary leadership in Ease-of-Doing Business and Horticulture, ranking #1 nationally in both. These reflect strategic policy efforts aimed at economic revitalisation and agricultural modernisation. In Police & Safety, the state climbed to #2, driven by tech-enabled interventions like the SAHAY app and the DASHABHUJA initiative. The Forest Governance sector also saw improvement, with the state rising to #3 nationally, bolstered by green initiatives such as the Green Firecracker Licensing Project.
Urban Development has become a key area of resurgence, with West Bengal ranking #2, aided by projects like the Rent Control Management System and the GYANALAY initiative in Uttar Dinajpur. The state also made a strong showing in e-Governance (#4), supported by innovations such as MARREG, a digital marriage registration portal, and a centralised digital platform for artisan registration. First-time participation in Revenue governance resulted in an impressive #4 ranking, highlighting robust digital transformation and service delivery frameworks.
Several high-impact projects further illustrate the state’s holistic governance model. The Grid-Connected Rooftop Solar Initiative across 3,023 schools not only reduced electricity costs but also supported clean energy goals. The DIY Protected Cultivation Kits empowered small farmers in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, while the Artisan Enlistment Portal formally recognised over 100,000 artisans, offering them market access and financial inclusion. The Saksham initiative in Uttar Dinajpur provided assistive devices to over 10,000 persons with disabilities, reflecting inclusive governance. Meanwhile, the DASHABHUJA women’s safety project improved response times and trained thousands in self-defense, setting a benchmark for gender-sensitive policing.
West Bengal’s 2024 performance stands out for its sectoral breadth, innovation-led delivery, and attention to inclusivity. While fiscal sustainability remains a challenge, the state’s commitment to reform, technology, and citizen-centric development signals a robust foundation for further progress. To move higher in the national rankings, West Bengal must scale its volume of well-performing projects, deepen district-level engagement, and align governance outcomes with fiscal discipline and long-term resilience.
Across the six SKOCH indices—State of Governance, e-Government Infrastructure Index, Finance, Government Transformation, Efficiency, and Development—West Bengal performs competitively but unevenly. It stands out in the Governance Index due to its project diversity and impact, while its Development Index score places it among the top performers nationally. However, the state’s Efficiency and e-Government Infrastructure Index scores, though improving, still lag behind front-runners like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
This relative underperformance is partly attributable to challenges in digital infrastructure scaling and inter-departmental coordination. To remain in the top tier, West Bengal must focus on improving the reach and consistency of digital governance tools across districts and departments.
In terms of fiscal performance, West Bengal’s position remains mixed. While it has successfully entered the top 10 in the Revenue category in its first year of participation, its overall standing in the SKOCH Financial Prudence Index reveals lingering weaknesses. The state continues to grapple with high debt levels and a heavy reliance on central devolution for revenue receipts. This fiscal asymmetry restricts its capacity for capital expenditure and long-term development planning. Compared to states like Gujarat and Maharashtra that exhibit strong own-tax revenue mobilisation, West Bengal needs to augment its internal revenue base through property tax reforms, improved compliance mechanisms, and expanded non-tax revenue streams.
West Bengal’s performance in the SKOCH State of Government Transformation Index also suggests room for growth. While the state has made strides in sectors like Police & Safety and Urban Development, the overall integration of these reforms into a cohesive governance strategy remains a work in progress. The SKOCH report recommends scaling the number of Platinum and Gold projects and ensuring wider district and municipal-level participation to maintain or improve national ranking. States like Maharashtra and Odisha have effectively leveraged district-level innovation to boost their Transformation Index scores—an approach that West Bengal could adopt more systematically.
If West Bengal continues on this trajectory—backed by improved internal revenue mobilisation and deeper municipal engagement—it could further consolidate its position in the national top five and emerge as a model for governance-led development in eastern India.
Overall, West Bengal’s governance narrative in 2024 is one of resurgence. With strong showings in Ease-of-Doing Business, Horticulture, Urban Development, and Public Safety, the state has effectively signalled its intent to lead in inclusive, innovation-driven governance. The key to sustaining this momentum lies in addressing fiscal rigidity, strengthening e-Government Infrastructure Index and enhancing the depth and scale of transformation projects.
