Fiscal Health Index 2026 – A Benchmark for State Finances The NITI Aayog released the second annual Fiscal Health Index 2026 in New Delhi. The launch was led by Shri Suman Bery , Vice‑Chairman, and Smt. Nidhi Chhibber , CEO of NITI Aayog, in the presence of senior officials. Key Developments The Index now covers 28 states: the original 18 major states plus the 10 North‑Eastern and Himalayan states, which are evaluated separately. Most of the 18 major states posted moderated FHI scores for FY 2023‑24, indicating emerging fiscal pressures. Wide variation in fiscal outcomes is observed among the North‑Eastern and Himalayan states. The report outlines four priority actions: boost state own‑tax capacity , rationalise committed expenditures, improve the quality of capital spending, and adopt medium‑term fiscal planning . Emphasis on strengthening public financial management systems, using verified data, and monitoring off‑budget borrowings closely. Important Facts • State governments now account for nearly one‑third of India’s general government debt , making their fiscal health pivotal for national sustainability. • The Index provides a transparent, comparable assessment that can guide reforms and promote fiscal discipline across states. • The full report is available at NITI Aayog website . Relevance for UPSC Understanding sub‑national fiscal dynamics is essential for GS‑3 (Economy) and GS‑2 (Polity) questions on cooperative federalism, fiscal federalism, and macro‑economic stability. The Index illustrates how data‑driven tools can aid policy formulation, a theme frequently tested in essay and answer‑writing papers. Way Forward To translate the Index insights into action, states should: Enhance revenue mobilisation by broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency. Re‑evaluate and rationalise committed expenditures to free up fiscal space. Prioritise capital projects with high economic returns and ensure transparent execution. Adopt a medium‑term fiscal framework that sets clear deficit and debt targets. Strengthen public financial management mechanisms, including real‑time reporting and audit trails. Track and disclose all borrowings, especially off‑budget liabilities, to maintain fiscal credibility. By institutionalising these measures, states can improve their fiscal health , contributing to macro‑economic stability and balanced regional development.