Demographic Advantage

The state has a total population of ~71.5 Mn. In the Periodic Labor Force Survey (2020-21), the labour force participation rate stands at 44.3%, higher than the national average of 41.6%.  The working population ratio is as high as 43.3%. Approximately 43% of the population of the state lives in urban areas, and the literacy rate stands at almost 80%. The sex ratio, as per Census 2011, is 918 females per 1,000 males.

Healthcare Facilities

Over the years, Gujarat has witnessed improvements in healthcare quality.  As of November 2022, 370 community health centres, 1,499 primary health centres, and 9,231 sub-health centres are functional across the state. Gujarat was the first state in the country to establish a Biotech Mission and a Biotech Park.

The permanent campus of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) was also inaugurated recently in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Also, the foundation stone of Shree Khodaldham Cancer Hospital and Research Centre was recently laid. Once it opens, it will significantly advance drug-related research and provide a cure for cancer.

Educational Facilities

The number of educational institutions imparting primary education in the state was 44,492 in 2021–22, with 84.78 Lakh students enrolled. Similarly, 12,764 schools were providing secondary and higher secondary education. The gross enrollment ratio in primary education was recorded at 101.55%.

According to AICTE's 2022-23 data, 359 institutions are providing various technical programs. As of May 2023, Gujarat boasts 39 medical colleges, with a projected intake of 6858 medical seats for the 2023-24 academic year. Gujarat is also home to the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, the National School of Design, and many other premier institutions.

Technology & Advancement

Home to 212 AICTE-approved engineering and technology institutions in 2022-23, Gujarat has demonstrated technological advancements over the last few decades. The Dholera Special Investment Region, which focuses on sectors such as heavy engineering, automobiles and ancillary industries, and hi-tech technologies, is propelling the state towards even greater technological progress.

Micron is also setting up its semiconductor unit in India at Gujarat's Sanand. In addition, Mandal Becharji Special Investment Region is an attractive destination for Japanese automotive and auto-component companies like Suzuki, Honda, and Toyota.

Infrastructure

With over 200 industrial estates and 33,000 hectares of industrial land, the state has several sector-specific industrial parks, like PM-MITRA Park, Ceramics Park, Bulk Drug Park, etc. Gujarat is home to India's first operational Smart City, GIFT City, with India's only International Financial Services Centre.

The state has 1 major port and 48 non-major ports, making it an important destination for cargo handling. Gujarat boasts a robust network of 19 operational airports, including 4 international ones, along with 5,220+ km of railway routes and over 220,000 km of well-surfaced roads, including national, state, and district highways. The DMIC corridor provides further impetus to industrial growth in Gujarat, as 38% of it lies in the state. 

Gujarat has 20 functional SEZs. The Dahej Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region, spanning 453 sq km, has been established for manufacturing facilities for domestic and export-led production of petroleum, chemicals, and petrochemicals.

Sustainability Initiatives

Gujarat contributes to ~15.5% of India's renewable energy needs, ranking first in wind energy and second in solar energy. The government of Gujarat launched the Gujarat Renewable Energy Scheme in 2023 to tap into 36 GW of solar capacity and 143 GW of wind capacity in the state. The state is also home to India's first 24x7 solar-powered village, Modhera.

The world's largest solar wind park is also being developed in the Kutch District with a capacity of 30,000 MW. The state's renewable energy capacity stands at 16%.