Indian States at a Glance 2008-09: Performance, Facts and Figures presents information on the 29 states and 6 union territories of India in a set of 22 volumes. A compilation of the latest facts and figures, ranging from the basic socio-economic and demographic indicators to development parameters, these books also provide brief profiles of the states covering their history, culture, cuisine, handicrafts, places of tourist interest as well as an account of their performance vis-à-vis other states

Jharkhand, a state just eight years old, jumped onto a high-growth path soon after its creation. The state has abundant natural resources, with 40 per cent of the country’s mineral reserves. But there has not been sufficient diversification in industry, agriculture or the services sector to broaden the growth of the economy. Consequently, the fruits of higher growth are not available to citizens across the board. The state lags behind in infrastructure provision, connectivity and social indicators as compared to other states. The backlog in achieving development parameters remains a challenge, particularly as the problem of Naxalism has invaded much of its territory. Governance, therefore, requires the highest priority in the state for sustainable and inclusive growth.