Page 2 - Latest Updates on State of States

Rich states pull ahead in tax self-reliance; Haryana tops, Bihar trails

Regions trailing in own tax revenue remain heavily dependent on central funds as the fiscal divide widens

Subsidy burden rises to ₹4.4 trn but moderating as states curb spending

States spent as much as 8.6 per cent of their revenue receipts on subsidies in FY18. Such spending rose to 9.4 per cent in FY21 and to 10.8 per cent in FY25

Population debate needs nuance, not panic over India's fertility shift

India's falling fertility calls for region-specific, rights-based policies-not a shift from population-control fears to pro-birth alarmism

16th Finance Commission urges states to boost revenues, cut spending

The commission did not recommend revenue deficit grants to states or any sector-specific or state-specific grants

States up spending but get uneven results in health and education

Per-capita deficit and infrastructure gaps mean increased budgetary allocations are failing to deliver development targets

States' fiscal math in the age of 'freebies': Stable, but strains remain

While aggregate finances remain stable, high debt and welfare handouts weigh on some budgets

Sikkim tops per capita income rankings, Bihar remains poorest state

The top four - Sikkim, Goa, Delhi and Chandigarh - and the bottom four - Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Manipur - have consistently held their positions for the past 10 years

Bhajan Lal Sharma's big build: Reshaping Rajasthan through infrastructure

Bhajan Lal Sharma discusses investment conversion, ease of doing business, tourism, fiscal discipline and his government's vision for a developed Rajasthan