Naveen celebrates Odisha’s top ranking in fiscal health, hailing 'transformative achievement'

Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: With Odisha emerging as a top performer in NITI Aayog's inaugural Fiscal Health Index report for 2022-2023, BJD president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his pride in seeing Odisha rise from financial distress to the top position.

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Chief Minister Mohan Majhi also celebrated the state’s success, noting on social media that Odisha scored 67.8, ranking highest in fiscal health among 18 major states. 

Odisha was followed by Chhattisgarh and Goa, scoring 55.2 and 53.6, respectively. The NITI Aayog report emphasizes that states in this "achiever" category excel in revenue mobilization, expenditure management, and debt sustainability.

Patnaik, reflecting on Odisha's financial turnaround, shared his joy on social media, stating, "Glad to share that #Odisha has emerged the No-1 state in fiscal management across the country with the highest overall fiscal health score of 67.8% in 2022-23, as per the @NITIAayog Fiscal Health Index Report-2025."

He also reflected on the challenges the state faced earlier, when revenues were primarily used to pay off loans and service debts, leaving little room for developmental or welfare projects. Patnaik highlighted how financial stabilization allowed the state to implement its own initiatives like the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), KALIA scheme for farmers, Mission Shakti for women, and various other programs focusing on irrigation, education, disaster management, infrastructure, and tribal empowerment.

Patnaik emphasized that this achievement is the result of a long journey that began with Odisha's financial struggles when he first assumed office in 2000. "It is a truly transformative achievement," he remarked, thanking the people of Odisha for their role in the state's economic recovery.

The NITI Aayog report, titled Fiscal Health Index 2025, assessed 18 states that play a significant role in India's economy. The index considers factors such as GDP contribution, public expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal stability. Odisha particularly stood out for its excellent debt profile, sustainable fiscal practices, low deficits, and substantial capital outlays in relation to its GDP.