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Does Size Matter? The Productivity of Government: Expenditures and the Size of States: Evidence from India

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  • Haasnoot, Cornelis W.

Abstract

Some politicians argue for the splitting and combining of states to increase government productivity, but there is a dearth of empirical evidence on the optimal size of a state. Using data from Indian states, I test a model of the optimal size of the state. I find that size and preference heterogeneity do not significantly affect the productivity of a state government. However, when states are split up, the productivity of the root state's government is negatively affected. This suggests that there may be a readjustment phase after state reorganisation that brings about this negative effect. It is important to consider this effect when redrawing state borders.

Suggested Citation

  • Haasnoot, Cornelis W., 2016. "Does Size Matter? The Productivity of Government: Expenditures and the Size of States: Evidence from India," GIGA Working Papers 285, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:gigawp:285
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    India; fiscal federalism; government quality; ethnic heterogeneity; state reorganization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General
    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General
    • H72 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Budget and Expenditures
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism

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