Synopsis Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) in the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation is the nodal agency for coordination of statistical activities and integrated development of statistical system of the country. CSO has also the responsibility of disseminatioin of statistics on all subjects of importance. Statistical Abstract, India is a highly sought publications of CSO which provides statistics/indicators on various socio-economic aspects of the economy. The current 2003 issue of the Abstract includes statistics on several subjects both at national and state level for the latest available years. For the benefit of the users, efforts have been made to provide explanatory notes showing the description of tables, methodology of data collection, coverage, definitions of the terms used and the data sources. The present issue of the publication is the 40th edition in the series. It contains time series data for national aggregates generally for 1990-91 and onwards, upto the latest available year. The national aggregates are followed by State-wise data for the latest year so as to reflect the comparative development scenario amongst the States/Union Territories. Sources of data, presented in various tables included in the publication, are indicated at the bottom of the tables…. This publication will be useful to the planners, policy makers, research workers and academicians in knowing the various facets of rapidly changing socio-economic scenario of the country.