.png "The second edition of Fiscal Health Index 2026 released by NITI Aayog")
- It was launched by Vice Chairman Suman Bery, in the presence of CEO Nidhi Chhibber.
- The index assesses the fiscal performance of states for FY 2023‑24 using verified data from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
- Coverage expanded from 18 major states to 28 states, including 10 North‑Eastern & Himalayan states ranked separately.
- States were evaluated on five pillars – Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.
- Odisha retained 1st place, followed by Goa (2nd) and Jharkhand (3rd), while Punjab ranked last with a score of 12.4/100.
- The report stressed that state debt forms nearly one‑third of India’s general government debt, urging adherence to FRBM norms, tax base widening (GST), and stronger own‑revenue capacity.
Question:
Q.1 Which state ranked first in the Fiscal Health Index 2026?a) Odisha
b) Jharkhand
c) Goa
d) Gujarat
Answer: a) Odisha retained the top position in the Fiscal Health Index due to strong fiscal discipline, better revenue mobilisation, and efficient expenditure management.
