New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) A huge inter-state income disparity exists in India, according to official data, which showed that per capita income in the national capital Delhi is almost seven times higher than that of Bihar and over five times that of Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar's per capita income (at current prices) in 2010-11 was Rs.20,069, the lowest in the country, while it was Rs.135,814 in Delhi, the highest in the country, official data showed.

India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh has a per capita income of Rs.26,051, the second lowest in the country, against the national average of Rs.54,835.

Tourist hotspot Goa with Rs.132,719 had the highest per capita income in 2009-10. Goa's data for 2010-11 is not available.

"Despite the efforts made through various measures, including the plan schemes, regional imbalances continue to exist owing to the sub-continental dimensions of the country," Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena said in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha last week.

He said the government has taken measures to reduce the inter-state disparities.

"The policy instruments for minimising inter-state disparity include plan and non-plan transfer of resources from the centre to states, favouring less developed states, and tax incentives for setting up of private industries in the backward region," Meena said.

The good news is that the growth rates in the backward states like Bihar have picked up during the last few years. Per capita net state domestic product in Bihar rose from Rs.7,914 in 2004-05 to Rs.20,069, registering a growth of 153 percent during the six year period.

National per capita income rose from Rs.24,143 in 2004-05 to Rs.54,835, registering a growth of 127 percent.