<h1>Odisha Tops NITI Aayog's First Fiscal Health Index; Punjab, Kerala Among Worst Performers Facing Fiscal Challenges.</h1> Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand have been identified as top-performing states in NITI Aayog's inaugural Fiscal Health Index (FHI) report, which evaluates the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states. Odisha leads with the highest overall score, excelling in debt index and sustainability. In contrast, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala are among the worst performers, facing significant fiscal challenges. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka are categorized as 'aspirational.' The report highlights issues such as low expenditure quality and debt sustainability in Kerala and Punjab, and revenue mobilization problems in West Bengal.