Goa, Delhi and Sikkim have emerged as top performers in 'sustainable competitiveness' ranking based on factors like economic development as well as resource availability and utilisation.

Goa has taken the top slot among the states, according to 'Sustainable Competitiveness Report 2011' -- a joint study by the UK-based self-regulatory body for qualifications and standards, RICS India, and think tank Institute for Competitiveness.

At the second position is Delhi, followed by Sikkim, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Mizoram, Kerala, Gujarat and Arunachal Pradesh.

On the other hand, West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand fared the worst in the sustainable competitiveness ranking.

The study is based on four basic parameters - social inclusion, environment and climate change, economic development resource availability and utilisation.

"The Sustainable Competitiveness Index of Indian states is an effort to map the social well being of our country and by including a ranking methodology we have brought in a much needed competitive element that we hope spurs weaker ranked states to emulate their stronger counterparts such as Delhi, Goa and Sikkim," Institute for Competitiveness Chairman Amit Kapoor said.

"Based on the findings this year, it is clear, that many Indian states are yet to develop a clear vision of their future and identify a definite sustainable mandate. It is more important than ever for policy makers to put into place the fundamentals underpinning economic growth and development, in order to propel overall growth for their respective states," he added.

On individual parameters, Delhi and Goa top the national rankings across the 'economic development' and 'resource availability and utilisation' categories respectively.

On 'environment and climate change', it is Arunachal Pradesh that tops the national rankings, (though overall the state ranks 10) and Mizoram ranks as the state nationally on 'social inclusion'.