Tripura Records Revenue Surplus While Assam, Mizoram Slip Into Deficit: CAG State Finances Report 2024-25

By Thetripurapost Desk, Guwahati
Jun 16, 2026
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Tripura and Manipur have emerged as the strongest fiscal performers among the Northeastern states in the financial year 2024-25, according to the latest State Finances Report released by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

The report shows that both states ended the year with revenue surpluses, while Assam Assam and Mizoram recorded revenue deficits despite aiming for stronger fiscal outcomes.

CAG Report Highlights Mixed Financial Health Across Northeast

The CAG report reveals that 13 states across India registered revenue surpluses during FY 2024-25, while 15 states ended the year in deficit. Among the Northeastern states, Tripura surpassed its target of maintaining a zero-revenue deficit and successfully generated a revenue surplus. Manipur also retained its surplus position, reflecting stronger fiscal management.

However, Assam and Mizoram failed to achieve their budgeted revenue surplus targets and ultimately slipped into deficit. Other states that missed their projected fiscal goals include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Mizoram Receives Finance Commission Revenue Deficit Grant

The report further notes that Mizoram remained one of the states eligible for Finance Commission revenue deficit grants during the year. Similar grants were also provided to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and West Bengal to support their fiscal requirements.

Rising Fiscal Deficits Raise Concerns in Northeast States

Despite some positive performances, the report indicates growing fiscal pressure across the Northeast. Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura all witnessed a significant rise in fiscal deficits compared to the previous financial year, signaling increasing expenditure burdens and fiscal stress.

18 States Exceed Fiscal Deficit Limit Recommended by Finance Commission

At the national level, the fiscal situation remains challenging. The Fifteenth Finance Commission had recommended that states keep their fiscal deficit within 3 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). However, 18 of the country's 28 states exceeded this threshold during FY 2024-25.

The combined revenue deficit of the 15 deficit states reached ₹3.46 lakh crore. After accounting for surplus states, the net revenue deficit across India stood at ₹2.19 lakh crore.

Salaries, Pensions and Interest Payments Continue to Burden State Finances

The CAG report also highlights the growing share of committed expenditure, including salaries, pensions, and interest payments. Nagaland recorded the highest committed expenditure ratio among all states, with 74 percent of its revenue expenditure consumed by these mandatory obligations.

State Liabilities Cross ₹90 Lakh Crore

As of March 31, 2025, the combined liabilities of all Indian states stood at ₹90.51 lakh crore. The report observes that states have collectively remained in fiscal deficit for most of the past decade, with fresh signs of financial strain emerging in several regions, including parts of the Northeast.