NITI report: Bengal scores in jobs, socio-eco indicators; lags behind in GSDP growth & fiscal management
Bengal has also scored better in several socio-economic indicators but its GSDP growth (4.3%) was around 23% lower than the national average of 5.6 % during the decade between 2012-'13 and 2021-'22, the report added.
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The report, citing the National Family Health Survey-V (2019-'21), puts Bengal's sex ratio (973 female births for every 1,000 male births) as much healthier than the nati-onal average of 889.
The state fares better than the national average in education as well; its literacy rate (76.3%) is higher than the national average of 73% and it has a lower school dropout rate and higher pass percentages for classes 10 and 12.
The Gender Parity Index in higher education (ratio of girls and boys enrolled in higher education institutions for 18-23 age group), too, has improved and is higher than the national average, the report says.
Bengal's health parameters, too, are better than the national average, the report has said. Life expectancy in the state (as of 2021) was 72.3 years, higher than the national average (70 years). Both infant mortality and total fertility rate have dipped over the years; and both - 19 deaths for every 1,000 live births in 2020 and 1.6 children for every woman in 2019-'21 - are better than the respective national averages.
State improves in quality-of-life indicators
The NITI Aayog report says Bengal has shown an improvement in several quality-of-life indicators, too; households' access to drinking water is marginally above the national benchmark and access to electricity and sanitation facilities is close to the national averages.
The report, however, has found financial management to be a mixed bag. Bengal's debt-to-GSDP ratio (38.4% in 2022-'23) is higher than the median though its contingent liabilities (1.2%) and expenditure-to-GSDP ratio (16.5%) are lower than the median. Its fiscal deficit (4% of GSDP) is higher than a median state's (as of 2022-'23; so is the revenue deficit (2.6% of GSDP). The state also collects less in its own taxes and non-tax revenues as compared to a median state.
Fund transfers from Centre to Bengal are lower than that of a median state's but these constitute the largest component of its total revenue.
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The Wire
13 hours ago
- The Wire
MASSH-PROLIFE Hospital Launches ‘Obesity-Free Punjab' Campaign to Tackle State's Growing Health Crisis
New Delhi, July 12: By the time your eyes finish scanning this line, someone in Punjab just checked their sugar levels after skipping breakfast — again. That's how quietly lifestyle diseases creep into daily routines. And obesity? It's not creeping anymore. It's sprinting. In a move that could redefine India's fight against obesity, MASSH Group of Hospitals, India's most advanced and leading bariatric surgery hospital chain, has launched the 'Obesity-Free Punjab' campaign. Beginning from Ludhiana, the initiative combines surgical precision, community outreach, and lifestyle education to address obesity head-on. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the red flag during his Mann Ki Baat address, calling obesity a dangerous lifestyle illness that needs urgent national attention. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 30.2% of men aged 15 to 49 in Punjab are obese — the highest in the country. And women? A staggering 45% are overweight, with 80% of Ludhiana's adult women specifically suffering from abdominal obesity. To tackle this mounting crisis head-on, MASSH – PROLIFE Hospital Ludhiana, part of the MASSH Group of Hospitals, has launched 'Obesity-Free Punjab', a bold, six-month initiative combining awareness, education, and accessible treatment — including cutting-edge bariatric surgery. 'Punjab has changed,' says Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly, Director of Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery at MASSH. 'This used to be the land of milk, ghee, and akhadas. Now, we're seeing 60 new patients a month at our OPD with obesity-linked conditions: type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility, fatty liver, hormonal imbalance, and even depression. This isn't just about body size — it's about quality of life.' And it's not limited to adults. Nearly 7% of Ludhiana's children are already obese. That means childhood is being shaped by early joint pain and insulin resistance, not playgrounds and sports. What's changed? Sedentary lifestyles. Late-night screen scrolling. Processed foods sold faster than they're chewed. Add rising stress and eroding sleep cycles, and you've got a metabolic Molotov cocktail. For those struggling to reverse obesity despite their best efforts, bariatric surgery offers more than just hope. It offers measurable change — medically and emotionally. MASSH Hospitals specialize in minimally invasive bariatric procedures, like gastric sleeve and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which are now recommended worldwide for sustained weight loss and reversal of co-morbidities. 'People still think surgery is a last resort or a shortcut,' Dr. Jolly says. 'It's neither. It's a life-restoring intervention, especially when conditions like PCOD, hypertension, or fatty liver have already taken root. We evaluate every case thoroughly. Not everyone needs surgery — but for the right patient, it can be transformational.' This isn't just about clinical excellence — it's about access and empathy. Through the 'Obesity-Free Punjab' campaign, MASSH Hospitals will: • Organize free community screenings across Ludhiana and nearby districts Host awareness sessions in schools, colleges, and workplaces Launch myth-busting digital content around obesity and bariatric options Offer up to 25% financial assistance for patients from economically weaker sections The goal? To ensure that health doesn't stay confined to the privileged. With hospitals in Delhi, Noida and Ludhiana, the MASSH Group has quietly grown into a trusted name in Minimal Access Smart Surgery & Healthcare. That includes everything from advanced laparoscopic interventions to top-tier post-op care and emotional support. Hanish Bansal, Executive Director, MASSH Group of Hospitals says, 'At MASSH, we've built more than just a hospital — we've created India's most advanced chain dedicated to minimal access and bariatric surgeries. Today, MASSH is the most advanced hospital in the country for bariatric surgery. We're combining technology with surgical expertise to tackle a problem that's silently affecting millions.' Adds Mansi Bansal Jhunjhunwala, Founder & CEO, 'We're not just treating patients from India — we're treating people from across the country and around the world. MASSH is delivering the advanced bariatric surgery with highest level of hospitality care. When people walk into our centres, they don't just find doctors — they find a full ecosystem committed to their long-term recovery.' India is at a health crossroads. While technology advances, habits deteriorate. While urban gyms boom, so does late-night binge eating. The truth is, reversing obesity isn't about magic diets or guilt trips — it's about science, support, and timely decisions. And as Punjab stares down the barrel of an obesity epidemic, perhaps it's time for a quiet introspection. Isn't health the real legacy we owe our children? If you're from Punjab or anywhere else in India and are silently battling the burden of obesity — this campaign is your call. Not just to lose kilos, but to gain life back. About MASSH-PROLIFE Hospitals MASSH-PROLIFE Super Specialty and Trauma care is a 100-bed, state-of-the-art healthcare facility in Ludhiana, Punjab, dedicated to delivering advanced and patient-centric medical care. As part of the MASSH Group of Hospitals, we are committed to clinical excellence, ethical medical practices, and innovation, guided by the principles of P5 Medicine—Personalized, Participatory, Predictive, Preventive, and Precision care. Our hospital offers specialized services across multiple disciplines, including Laparoscopy & GI Surgery, Laparoscopic Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Advanced Urology, Bariatric Surgery, Trauma Care, Mother & Child Care, Neurosciences, Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Dialysis, and Surgical Oncology. With cutting-edge technologies such as Laparoscopy, Laser, and Minimal Access Surgery, we ensure safer procedures, faster recovery, and superior patient outcomes. MASSH-PROLIFE Hospital is a collaborative vision of leading healthcare experts and pioneers, including: • Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly, Director – A highly regarded expert committed to advancing medical excellence. • Mr. Riju Jhunjhunwala, Promoter & Director – A third-generation business leader and philanthropist from The LNJ Bhilwara Group, dedicated to transforming healthcare. • Mr. Hanish Bansal, Executive Director – A visionary healthcare pioneer with expertise in hospital management and strategic growth. • Mrs. Mansi Bansal Jhunjhunwala, Founder & CEO – A dynamic healthcare leader driving innovation and excellence in patient care. • Mr. Ranvir Singh, Vice President - Operations – An experienced professional ensuring operational efficiency and service excellence. For more information: Address: Village Gill, Malerkotla Road, Bulara, Ludhiana, Punjab - 141116 Phone: 0161-5060999, 98147-04385 Email: info@ Website: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Business Standard
14 hours ago
- Business Standard
MASSH-PROLIFE Hospital Launches 'Obesity-Free Punjab' Campaign to Tackle State's Growing Health Crisis
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 12: By the time your eyes finish scanning this line, someone in Punjab just checked their sugar levels after skipping breakfast -- again. That's how quietly lifestyle diseases creep into daily routines. And obesity? It's not creeping anymore. It's sprinting. In a move that could redefine India's fight against obesity, MASSH Group of Hospitals, India's most advanced and leading bariatric surgery hospital chain, has launched the 'Obesity-Free Punjab' campaign. Beginning from Ludhiana, the initiative combines surgical precision, community outreach, and lifestyle education to address obesity head-on. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the red flag during his Mann Ki Baat address, calling obesity a dangerous lifestyle illness that needs urgent national attention. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 30.2% of men aged 15 to 49 in Punjab are obese -- the highest in the country. And women? A staggering 45% are overweight, with 80% of Ludhiana's adult women specifically suffering from abdominal obesity. To tackle this mounting crisis head-on, MASSH - PROLIFE Hospital Ludhiana, part of the MASSH Group of Hospitals, has launched 'Obesity-Free Punjab', a bold, six-month initiative combining awareness, education, and accessible treatment -- including cutting-edge bariatric surgery. "Punjab has changed," says Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly, Director of Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery at MASSH. "This used to be the land of milk, ghee, and akhadas. Now, we're seeing 60 new patients a month at our OPD with obesity-linked conditions: type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, infertility, fatty liver, hormonal imbalance, and even depression. This isn't just about body size -- it's about quality of life." And it's not limited to adults. Nearly 7% of Ludhiana's children are already obese. That means childhood is being shaped by early joint pain and insulin resistance, not playgrounds and sports. What's changed? Sedentary lifestyles. Late-night screen scrolling. Processed foods sold faster than they're chewed. Add rising stress and eroding sleep cycles, and you've got a metabolic Molotov cocktail. For those struggling to reverse obesity despite their best efforts, bariatric surgery offers more than just hope. It offers measurable change -- medically and emotionally. MASSH Hospitals specialize in minimally invasive bariatric procedures, like gastric sleeve and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which are now recommended worldwide for sustained weight loss and reversal of co-morbidities. "People still think surgery is a last resort or a shortcut," Dr. Jolly says. "It's neither. It's a life-restoring intervention, especially when conditions like PCOD, hypertension, or fatty liver have already taken root. We evaluate every case thoroughly. Not everyone needs surgery -- but for the right patient, it can be transformational." This isn't just about clinical excellence -- it's about access and empathy. Through the 'Obesity-Free Punjab' campaign, MASSH Hospitals will: * Organize free community screenings across Ludhiana and nearby districts Host awareness sessions in schools, colleges, and workplaces Launch myth-busting digital content around obesity and bariatric options Offer up to 25% financial assistance for patients from economically weaker sections The goal? To ensure that health doesn't stay confined to the privileged. With hospitals in Delhi, Noida and Ludhiana, the MASSH Group has quietly grown into a trusted name in Minimal Access Smart Surgery & Healthcare. That includes everything from advanced laparoscopic interventions to top-tier post-op care and emotional support. Hanish Bansal, Executive Director, MASSH Group of Hospitals says, "At MASSH, we've built more than just a hospital -- we've created India's most advanced chain dedicated to minimal access and bariatric surgeries. Today, MASSH is the most advanced hospital in the country for bariatric surgery. We're combining technology with surgical expertise to tackle a problem that's silently affecting millions." Adds Mansi Bansal Jhunjhunwala, Founder & CEO, "We're not just treating patients from India -- we're treating people from across the country and around the world. MASSH is delivering the advanced bariatric surgery with highest level of hospitality care. When people walk into our centres, they don't just find doctors -- they find a full ecosystem committed to their long-term recovery." India is at a health crossroads. While technology advances, habits deteriorate. While urban gyms boom, so does late-night binge eating. The truth is, reversing obesity isn't about magic diets or guilt trips -- it's about science, support, and timely decisions. And as Punjab stares down the barrel of an obesity epidemic, perhaps it's time for a quiet introspection. Isn't health the real legacy we owe our children? If you're from Punjab or anywhere else in India and are silently battling the burden of obesity -- this campaign is your call. Not just to lose kilos, but to gain life back. About MASSH-PROLIFE Hospitals MASSH-PROLIFE Super Specialty and Trauma care is a 100-bed, state-of-the-art healthcare facility in Ludhiana, Punjab, dedicated to delivering advanced and patient-centric medical care. As part of the MASSH Group of Hospitals, we are committed to clinical excellence, ethical medical practices, and innovation, guided by the principles of P5 Medicine--Personalized, Participatory, Predictive, Preventive, and Precision care. Our hospital offers specialized services across multiple disciplines, including Laparoscopy & GI Surgery, Laparoscopic Gynaecology, Orthopaedics, Advanced Urology, Bariatric Surgery, Trauma Care, Mother & Child Care, Neurosciences, Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Dialysis, and Surgical Oncology. With cutting-edge technologies such as Laparoscopy, Laser, and Minimal Access Surgery, we ensure safer procedures, faster recovery, and superior patient outcomes. MASSH-PROLIFE Hospital is a collaborative vision of leading healthcare experts and pioneers, including: * Dr. Harpreet Singh Jolly, Director - A highly regarded expert committed to advancing medical excellence. * Mr. Riju Jhunjhunwala, Promoter & Director - A third-generation business leader and philanthropist from The LNJ Bhilwara Group, dedicated to transforming healthcare. * Mr. Hanish Bansal, Executive Director - A visionary healthcare pioneer with expertise in hospital management and strategic growth. * Mrs. Mansi Bansal Jhunjhunwala, Founder & CEO - A dynamic healthcare leader driving innovation and excellence in patient care. * Mr. Ranvir Singh, Vice President - Operations - An experienced professional ensuring operational efficiency and service excellence. For more information: Address: Village Gill, Malerkotla Road, Bulara, Ludhiana, Punjab - 141116 Phone: 0161-5060999, 98147-04385 Email: info@
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Some progress, gaps galore: Bihar's development remains a challenge
As with any Indian election, development is an oft-repeated word in Bihar right now. But poll promises or not, data shows that the state continues to struggle with basic human development literacy, high dropoutThe literacy rate in the state was 61.8 per cent as of the 2011 census, significantly lower than the national average of 73 per cent, according to the NITI Aayog report, Macro and Fiscal Landscapeof the State of At the school level, enrolment in higher secondary education (Classes XI–XII) was just 35.6 per cent in 2015–16, and the pass percentage for Class X board exams also reflects this. In 2016–17, only 55.4 per cent of students in Bihar passed, compared to 86.1 per cent at the national level. And the dropout rate in Class X was 73.3 per cent in Bihar, more than double the national figure of 35.2 per childrenNutrition is also a major issue in Bihar. According to NFHS-5 data from 2019 to 2021, 42.9 per cent of children under the age of five in the state are stunted, meaning they are too short for their age due to chronic undernutrition. This is higher than the national rate of 35.5 per cent. Similarly, 41 per cent of children are is a major issue in the state, affecting nearly 70 per cent of children in Bihar, slightly above the national average of 67.1 per cent. However, Bihar's total fertility rate stands at three children per woman, compared to the national average of state's infant mortality rate, at 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, is slightly better than the national rate. Bihar's life expectancy is 69.5 years, almost the same as India's, which means many children in the state are growing up without adequate food, healthcare, or early life utilities improving, sanitation still poorBihar has improved utilities, but basic sanitation is missing. As of NFHS-5 (2019–21), 99.1 per cent of Bihar households had access to improved drinking water and electricity access has also expanded. Both indicators had higher percentages in comparison to the national access to sanitation remains low. Only 47.3 per cent of households in Bihar had access to any kind of sanitation facility, compared to 69.3 per cent nationally. This means that more than half of Bihar's population either uses shared, unsafe facilities or practices open terms of broader well-being, Bihar's Multidimensional Poverty Index is twice the national score. The state's Sustainable Development Goals Index score for 2023–24 is 57, while India's overall score is 71. This reflects poor performance across multiple areas, including education, gender equality, sanitation, and health. Bihar remains among the bottom-performing states in the national SDG lagadvertisementBihar's developmental challenges are further reflected in its fiscal and economic structure. The state's nominal per capita GSDP stands at Rs 52,379, which is less than a third of the national average of Rs 171,498 in FY 2021– economy also leans heavily on agriculture, which contributes 24.3 per cent to its GSDP, far more than the national average of 16.9 per cent, while the industrial sector contributes just 17.2 per cent, much lower than India's 27.1 per cent. This points to a weak industrial base and limited income-generating data shows that while Bihar has made progress in some areas, serious challenges remain in education, child health, sanitation, and the industrial sector. And in the upcoming elections, these issues must be highlighted for a better future of the state.- EndsTune InMust Watch
