NITI Aayog: Punjab, AP, Kerala Face Fiscal Strain from Weak Revenue, Rising Debt

• NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index identifies Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and West Bengal as weakest performers.
• Weak revenue mobilization and rising debt burdens are key factors impacting their fiscal health.
• Odisha emerged as the top-performing state, followed by Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.
• The index evaluates 18 major states on revenue, expenditure quality, fiscal prudence, debt levels, and sustainability for FY 2023-24.
• Uttar Pradesh (11th) and Bihar (13th) were placed in the middle of the rankings.