Bhubaneswar: Former Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik expressed his pride and gratitude on X as Odisha emerged as the top state in fiscal management according to NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index (FHI) for 2022-23 released on Friday.
With a cumulative score of 67.8, Odisha secured the highest position among 18 major states, excelling in debt sustainability, revenue mobilization, and expenditure management.
Sharing the news on X, Patnaik wrote, “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 further reflected on Odisha’s remarkable journey from financial distress to becoming a national leader in fiscal health. “Odisha undertook a long journey from financial bankruptcy to the No-1 state in financial health. It is a truly transformative achievement.”
Recalling the challenges faced when he assumed office in 2000, Patnaik highlighted how the state’s finances were once crippled by debt, leaving little scope for development. He credited sound fiscal planning and disciplined governance for turning the tide.
“Making Odisha financially buoyant helped the state devise its own transformative schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, KALIA for farmers, Mission Shakti for women, and disaster management programs. This fiscal strength has also allowed us to focus on education, sports, infrastructure, and tribal empowerment while attracting investments and generating employment,” Patnaik wrote.
According to the FHI report, Odisha outperformed other states in several key indicators, including topping the debt index with a score of 99.0 and maintaining a strong capital outlay-to-GSDP ratio. The state’s commitment to low fiscal deficits and robust debt management were highlighted as factors behind its top-ranking performance.
Patnaik also expressed his gratitude to the people of Odisha for their role in this achievement, stating, “I thank the people of Odisha for being partners in this historic and transformative journey. Together, we have shown how strong fiscal health can drive growth and improve lives.”
The NITI Aayog report lauded Odisha’s success, placing it alongside Chhattisgarh and Goa as the top-performing states. The index evaluated 18 major states based on their fiscal stability, contributions to India’s GDP, and economic resilience.
As Odisha basks in the glory of this milestone, Naveen Patnaik’s post on X captures the sentiment of pride and hope for a brighter, more prosperous future.
