Chhattisgarh tops in fiscal management

As per the state, Chhattisgarh's debt sustainability has been the best among the states

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report on state finances for the fiscal 2013-14 had ranked Chhattisgarh as the best performing state in most of the key fiscal parameters.

As per RBI study “State Finances-A study of budgets of 2013-14” underlined that Chhattisgarh's development expenditure as per cent of GSDP is highest in the country. In Chhattisgarh, it is 20.7 per cent whereas all states' average (NSC) is 11.4 per cent. On this parameter, Bihar is second (16.8), Madhya Pradesh and Goa third (15.7) and Jharkhand is fourth (14.7).

Similarly, in respect of social sector expenditure that includes education, health, SC/ST development, women and child development etc., Chhattisgarh holds the first position. Social Sector Expenditure, in Chhattisgarh as per cent of GSDP is 14 per cent whereas Bihar (11.3) is second, Madhya Pradesh (9.7) and Uttar Pradesh (9.7) are third and Jharkhand (9.2) is in the fourth.

State's social sector expenditure as per cent of total expenditure has continuously been the highest during the last five years.

Chhattisgarh has second highest Capital Outlay as per cent of GSDP after Goa. In Chhattisgarh, it is 4.2 per cent almost double the all states' average.

A state government communication quoting the report said that Chhattisgarh's own revenue as% of GSDP, during, 2013-14 at 8.9% is better than all states' (NSC) average of 7.8 and Chhattisgarh ranks among top five states. Similarly, in respect of non-tax revenue receipts, Chhattisgarh is second only to Goa.

As per RBI study, Chhattisgarh's debt sustainability has been the best among the states. Despite heavy expenditure on account of development and social sector expenditure, Chhattisgarh's debt position indicates efficient and prudent fiscal management by the State.