PANAJI
NITI Aayog has ranked Goa second among 18 States in the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2023“24, highlighting the State’s strong revenue mobilisation and relatively controlled debt levels.
According to the index, Goa secured an FHI score of 54.7, placing it just behind Odisha, which topped the rankings with a score of 73.1. Jharkhand followed Goa in third place with 50.5.
The report, tabled in the House by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, assesses the fiscal health of States based on parameters such as quality of expenditure, revenue mobilisation, fiscal prudence, debt index and debt sustainability.
The findings noted that Goa’s fiscal strength largely stems from its high reliance on its own revenue sources and controlled debt levels, which have contributed to relatively stable financial management. The State recorded a revenue mobilisation score of 80.4, among the highest in the country, indicating a strong ability to generate internal revenues.
However, Goa’s score in quality of expenditure stood at 49.5, while fiscal prudence was rated 45.0, suggesting scope for improvement in spending efficiency and deficit management.
Odisha emerged as the strongest performer overall, driven by prudent deficit control, strong revenue mobilisation and effective debt management practices. Jharkhand secured the third position due to its balanced expenditure profile and improving fiscal management.
Among other major States, Gujarat ranked fourth, followed by Maharashtra in fifth place. At the bottom of the index were Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
