A total of 11 states and two union territories, which include the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, along with landlocked states like Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as North Eastern states such as Assam, Sikkim, and Tripura, and union territories Chandigarh and Delhi, have garnered recognition as ‘Achievers’ in the recently unveiled LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2023 report.
The report, presented by Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday, highlights their commendable performance in the logistics sector.
What is the LEADS Report?
The LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) Report is an indigenous, data-driven index designed to evaluate logistics infrastructure, services, and human resources across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories in India.
It acts as a crucial guide and bridge, facilitating the identification of interventions that enhance logistics efficiency at the state and union territory levels.
Introduced in 2018, the LEADS Report categorises states and UTs based on their performance into three distinct groups:
- Achievers: States/UTs achieving a remarkable 90% or more percentage in logistics performance. Notable mentions in this category include Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Tripura, Chandigarh, and Delhi, with Maharashtra leading the pack among the “Achievers” states.
- Fast Movers: States/UTs achieving percentage scores between 80-90%, showcasing substantial progress and efficiency in logistics.
- Aspirers: States/UTs achieving percentage scores below 80%, indicating areas where improvements can be made to enhance logistics performance.
LEADS: Paving the Path for Logistics Revolution
During the event, Sh. Piyush Goyal expressed that LEADS is providing valuable insights to States and Union Territories, paving the way for revolutionary reforms in the logistics sector and aligning with the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He emphasized that the report serves as a guiding light for stakeholders in the logistics sector, offering strategic insights. Goyal expressed optimism that LEADS will be pivotal in fostering healthy competition among States/UTs, ultimately enhancing logistics performance nationwide.
He highlighted the report’s focus on crucial initiatives such as infrastructure planning under PM GatiShakti, granting ‘industry’ status to logistics, promoting multimodal connectivity, digital advancements in logistics, City Logistics Plans, and the establishment of Multimodal Logistics Parks. Goyal stressed the importance for States/UTs to prioritize skill development, capacity building, formalization of logistics policies, implementation of monitoring frameworks, and the promotion of green logistics.
Goyal underlined the significance of the logistics sector, stating that it will be a cornerstone in India’s ambitious journey to achieve a tenfold growth from USD 3.5 trillion to USD 35 trillion by the year 2047. This underscores the pivotal role of logistics in driving economic expansion and achieving long-term national goals.
LEADS’ Unique Blend of Perception and Objectivity
LEADS, conceived in 2018, drew inspiration from the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) of the World Bank but has since evolved dynamically. Unlike the LPI, which relies solely on perception-based surveys, LEADS sets itself apart by incorporating both perception and objectivity. This unique approach enhances the robustness and comprehensiveness of the evaluation.
In its 5th edition, the LEADS 2023 report offers valuable insights into improving logistics performance at the State/UT level. It sheds light on an augmented overall stakeholder perception and the impact of various reforms implemented across States and UTs.
This report marks a positive shift in the performance of States across key pillars—Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, and Operating and Regulatory Environment. It empowers state/UT governments by furnishing region-specific insights, facilitating informed decision-making and comprehensive growth.
The foundation of this report lies in a pan-India primary survey conducted between May and July 2023, encompassing over 7,300 responses across all 36 States/UTs. Additionally, the input from more than 750 stakeholder consultations, facilitated by National, Regional, and State Associations significantly contributes to the depth and breadth of this comprehensive evaluation.
Performance Highlights from LEADS 2023
Coastal Group
- Achievers: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
- Fast Movers: Kerala, Maharashtra
- Aspirers: Goa, Odisha, West Bengal
Landlocked Group
- Achievers: Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
- Fast Movers: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
- Aspirers: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand
North-East Group
- Achievers: Assam, Sikkim, Tripura
- Fast Movers: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
- Aspirers: Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram
Union Territories
- Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
- Fast Movers: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
- Aspirers: Daman & Diu/ Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
Ms Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary (Logistics), DPIIT, highlighted the collaborative approach in developing the 5th edition of LEADS. The report brings objectivity to infrastructure and reform assessment. Notably, 23 States/UTs aligned their Logistics Policies with the National Policy, and 16 granted industry status to logistics. Digital reforms, like PM GatiShakti and ULIP, contribute to India’s global logistics ranking.
The event included sessions on leveraging data and technologies and green logistics. LEADS 2023 integrates objective and perception-based data for a comprehensive evaluation, emphasizing precision in assessing state initiatives.
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