The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has found seven states with off-budget borrowing, incorrectly classified expenditure, untransferred cesses and other unpaid obligations to make their budget look healthier than reality. The real financial position of these states was worse than what the official numbers showed.&nbsp;The report found that Maharashtra and West Bengal seem to have managed to keep their fiscal deficits within their respective limits in 2024-25. Meanwhile, the revenue deficit of Bihar increased nearly sevenfold after audit adjustments, and Chhattisgarh’s doubled. In addition, Gujarat retained a revenue surplus; however, it was almost Rs 12,000 crore smaller than its originally indicated Finance Accounts.<h3>Fiscal deficit of seven states</h3>Maharashtra was found to have a fiscal deficit of Rs 1,24,208.74 crore, marking 2.74 per cent of its gross state domestic product, or GSDP. The Maharashtra report of the CAG increased the deficit by Rs 20,717.72 crore to Rs 1,44,926.46 crore, showing 3.20 per cent of GSDP. The biggest adjustment rose from Rs 18,440 crore borrowed during 2024-25 through the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The loans carried a state guarantee, and their principal and interest were supposed to be met through budgetary provisions.&nbsp;Bihar's Finance Accounts showed a revenue deficit of just Rs 357.38 crore, but the CAG recalculated this figure to Rs 2,500.81 crore in its Bihar report. This revision stemmed from revenue expenditure wrongly booked as capital expenditure, along with shortfalls or non-transfers of funds to the National Pension System, Single Nodal Agency accounts, and funds meant for construction workers, road safety, and mineral exploration.&nbsp;As a result, Bihar's revenue deficit rose from 0.04 per cent to 0.25 per cent of GSDP after the audit. Its fiscal deficit, already exceeding the prescribed target, climbed further too, from 4.16 per cent per the Finance Accounts to 4.37 per cent on a post-audit basis.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-gangster-atiq-ahmed-s-son-on-way-to-meet-jailed-brother-killed-in-road-accident-in-jhansi-1786002698869">UP gangster Atiq Ahmed's son, on way to meet jailed brother, killed in road accident in Jhansi</a>&nbsp;Chhattisgarh had reported a revenue deficit of Rs 5,099.47 crore, which the CAG revised upward to Rs 10,245.83 crore. This change was mainly driven by Rs 1,234.79 crore in revenue expenditure misclassified as capital expenditure, plus Rs 3,912.32 crore in off-budget borrowing repayments that were recorded as capital spending. Gujarat's Finance Accounts had shown a revenue surplus of Rs 18,942.94 crore, but CAG adjustments cut this down to Rs 7,013.97 crore, a drop of Rs 11,928.97 crore, or nearly 63 per cent.&nbsp;West Bengal had reported a fiscal deficit of Rs 61,924 crore, or 3.41 per cent of GSDP, staying within its 3.50 percent limit. However, once untransferred cess, the non-recoupment of the Contingency Fund, and other adjustments were factored in, the CAG's post-audit figure rose to Rs 63,739.23 crore, or 3.51 per cent of GSDP.&nbsp;On the other hand, the CAG raised Karnataka's revenue deficit from Rs 20,834 crore to Rs 22,843 crore, citing misclassified capital expenditure and unpaid interest. Kerala's fiscal deficit rose from Rs 48,248.14 crore (3.86 per cent of GSDP) to Rs 48,510.20 crore (3.89 per cent). The audit flagged Rs 39,230.33 crore in off-budget borrowings via KIIFB and KSSPL, excluded from Kerala's reported Rs 4.46 lakh crore liabilities (35.71 per cent of GSDP); including them would push the ratio to 38.86 per cent.

Bihar's revenue deficit rose from 0.04 per cent to 0.25 per cent of GSDP after the audit. Its fiscal deficit, already exceeding the prescribed target, climbed further too, from 4.16 per cent per the Finance Accounts to 4.37 per cent on a post-audit basis.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has found seven states with off-budget borrowing, incorrectly classified expenditure, untransferred cesses and other unpaid obligations to make their budget look healthier than reality. The real financial position of these states was worse than what the official numbers showed. The report found that Maharashtra and West Bengal seem to have managed to keep their fiscal deficits within their respective limits in 2024-25. Meanwhile, the revenue deficit of Bihar increased nearly sevenfold after audit adjustments, and Chhattisgarh’s doubled. In addition, Gujarat retained a revenue surplus; however, it was almost Rs 12,000 crore smaller than its originally indicated Finance Accounts. Fiscal deficit of seven states Maharashtra was found to have a fiscal deficit of Rs 1,24,208.74 crore, marking 2.74 per cent of its gross state domestic product, or GSDP. The Maharashtra report of the CAG increased the deficit by Rs 20,717.72 crore to Rs 1,44,926.46 crore, showing 3.20 per cent of GSDP. The biggest adjustment rose from Rs 18,440 crore borrowed during 2024-25 through the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. The loans carried a state guarantee, and their principal and interest were supposed to be met through budgetary provisions. Bihar's Finance Accounts showed a revenue deficit of just Rs 357.38 crore, but the CAG recalculated this figure to Rs 2,500.81 crore in its Bihar report. This revision stemmed from revenue expenditure wrongly booked as capital expenditure, along with shortfalls or non-transfers of funds to the National Pension System, Single Nodal Agency accounts, and funds meant for construction workers, road safety, and mineral exploration. As a result, Bihar's revenue deficit rose from 0.04 per cent to 0.25 per cent of GSDP after the audit. Its fiscal deficit, already exceeding the prescribed target, climbed further too, from 4.16 per cent per the Finance Accounts to 4.37 per cent on a post-audit basis. Also read: UP gangster Atiq Ahmed's son, on way to meet jailed brother, killed in road accident in Jhansi Chhattisgarh had reported a revenue deficit of Rs 5,099.47 crore, which the CAG revised upward to Rs 10,245.83 crore. This change was mainly driven by Rs 1,234.79 crore in revenue expenditure misclassified as capital expenditure, plus Rs 3,912.32 crore in off-budget borrowing repayments that were recorded as capital spending. Gujarat's Finance Accounts had shown a revenue surplus of Rs 18,942.94 crore, but CAG adjustments cut this down to Rs 7,013.97 crore, a drop of Rs 11,928.97 crore, or nearly 63 per cent. West Bengal had reported a fiscal deficit of Rs 61,924 crore, or 3.41 per cent of GSDP, staying within its 3.50 percent limit. However, once untransferred cess, the non-recoupment of the Contingency Fund, and other adjustments were factored in, the CAG's post-audit figure rose to Rs 63,739.23 crore, or 3.51 per cent of GSDP. On the other hand, the CAG raised Karnataka's revenue deficit from Rs 20,834 crore to Rs 22,843 crore, citing misclassified capital expenditure and unpaid interest. Kerala's fiscal deficit rose from Rs 48,248.14 crore (3.86 per cent of GSDP) to Rs 48,510.20 crore (3.89 per cent). The audit flagged Rs 39,230.33 crore in off-budget borrowings via KIIFB and KSSPL, excluded from Kerala's reported Rs 4.46 lakh crore liabilities (35.71 per cent of GSDP); including them would push the ratio to 38.86 per cent.

Bihar's revenue deficit rose from 0.04 per cent to 0.25 per cent of GSDP after the audit. Its fiscal deficit, already exceeding the prescribed target, climbed further too, from 4.16 per cent per the Finance Accounts to 4.37 per cent on a post-audit basis.

Seven states’ revenue deficits higher than reported, CAG finds; Bihar up 7x, Chhattisgarh doubles

A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns over the alarming decline of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, warning of a looming environmental crisis if urgent measures are not taken. According to the audit, out of 697 surveyed lakes and wetlands across the Union Territory, as many as 518, nearly 74 percent have either disappeared or significantly shrunk over time. The findings reveal that 315 lakes are no longer traceable, while 203 have reduced in size by a combined area of 1,314 hectares. The report highlights that 63 lakes have lost more than half of their original area, putting their very existence at risk. Rapid urbanisation, encroachment, mismanagement, and the absence of sustained conservation efforts have been identified as the primary causes behind this degradation. ''The report notes that in 1967, Jammu and Kashmir had 697 lakes. According to the current scenario, 315 lakes have already disappeared, while another 205 are in the process of vanishing. In total, 518 lakes have either been lost or are shrinking in size. The primary causes are human-driven, especially encroachment, unplanned construction, and rapid urbanisation. The increasing conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use has further intensified the pressure on these water bodies. While environmental factors do play a role, they account for only about 5–10% of the problem. The major responsibility lies with human actions and institutional failures, '' said Faizan Arif, Expert. The CAG has also flagged weak coordination among key departments, including Revenue, Forestry, and Agriculture, noting the lack of a cohesive and integrated management strategy for protecting these vital ecosystems. Environmental experts warn that the shrinking of water bodies has far-reaching consequences. The report points out that the loss of lakes and wetlands contributed to the devastating floods of September 2014, as many of these water bodies traditionally act as natural buffers by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall. Despite the scale of the crisis, conservation initiatives remain largely limited to a handful of major lakes, such as Dal and Wular, leaving hundreds of smaller yet ecologically significant water bodies across both Jammu and Kashmir neglected and vulnerable. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir stated that the CAG report comes as no surprise. He urged the people of the region to come together and take collective responsibility for protecting and preserving their water bodies. ''I don’t need the CAG to tell me what is self-evident. I am surprised that this has only now become a topic of discussion because someone has spoken about it. We see it all around us, whether in the water bodies in and around Srinagar or in rural areas. Many of these water bodies have either disappeared or significantly shrunk. They have diminished due to urbanisation, pressure on land, and the effects of climate change. Some of these factors may be within our control, while others are part of a larger, more complex challenge. What is clear, however, is that we need to be far more conscious of the environmental damage we are causing. This is not just the government’s responsibility; it requires a collective effort from all of us who live in Jammu and Kashmir. Is this the future we want to hand over to our children? If not, what can we do to be more mindful and responsible?,'' said Omar Abdullah, CM Jammu and Kashmir. He further added that ''Why don’t we start with simple actions—like using fewer plastic bags? Do we really need a government order to stop using them? As responsible citizens, what prevents us from carrying our own bags when we go shopping? Why must we rely on plastic from shops? If change only comes through stricter government intervention, then that may be the direction we are heading. But before it reaches that point, as a society, we still have the opportunity to come together and take meaningful steps to address this problem.'' The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy intervention, improved inter-departmental coordination, and community participation to prevent further degradation and safeguard the region’s fragile environment for the future.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-cabinet-clears-draft-bill-for-amendments-to-women-reservation-act-pm-modi-calls-it-need-of-the-hour-1775715236015">Union Cabinet clears draft bill for amendments to Women Reservation Act; PM Modi calls it ‘need of the hour’</a>

The CAG has also flagged weak coordination among key departments, including Revenue, Forestry, and Agriculture, noting the lack of a cohesive and integrated management strategy for protecting these vital ecosystems.

A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised serious concerns over the alarming decline of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, warning of a looming environmental crisis if urgent measures are not taken. According to the audit, out of 697 surveyed lakes and wetlands across the Union Territory, as many as 518, nearly 74 percent have either disappeared or significantly shrunk over time. The findings reveal that 315 lakes are no longer traceable, while 203 have reduced in size by a combined area of 1,314 hectares. The report highlights that 63 lakes have lost more than half of their original area, putting their very existence at risk. Rapid urbanisation, encroachment, mismanagement, and the absence of sustained conservation efforts have been identified as the primary causes behind this degradation. ''The report notes that in 1967, Jammu and Kashmir had 697 lakes. According to the current scenario, 315 lakes have already disappeared, while another 205 are in the process of vanishing. In total, 518 lakes have either been lost or are shrinking in size. The primary causes are human-driven, especially encroachment, unplanned construction, and rapid urbanisation. The increasing conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use has further intensified the pressure on these water bodies. While environmental factors do play a role, they account for only about 5–10% of the problem. The major responsibility lies with human actions and institutional failures, '' said Faizan Arif, Expert. The CAG has also flagged weak coordination among key departments, including Revenue, Forestry, and Agriculture, noting the lack of a cohesive and integrated management strategy for protecting these vital ecosystems. Environmental experts warn that the shrinking of water bodies has far-reaching consequences. The report points out that the loss of lakes and wetlands contributed to the devastating floods of September 2014, as many of these water bodies traditionally act as natural buffers by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall. Despite the scale of the crisis, conservation initiatives remain largely limited to a handful of major lakes, such as Dal and Wular, leaving hundreds of smaller yet ecologically significant water bodies across both Jammu and Kashmir neglected and vulnerable. The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir stated that the CAG report comes as no surprise. He urged the people of the region to come together and take collective responsibility for protecting and preserving their water bodies. ''I don’t need the CAG to tell me what is self-evident. I am surprised that this has only now become a topic of discussion because someone has spoken about it. We see it all around us, whether in the water bodies in and around Srinagar or in rural areas. Many of these water bodies have either disappeared or significantly shrunk. They have diminished due to urbanisation, pressure on land, and the effects of climate change. Some of these factors may be within our control, while others are part of a larger, more complex challenge. What is clear, however, is that we need to be far more conscious of the environmental damage we are causing. This is not just the government’s responsibility; it requires a collective effort from all of us who live in Jammu and Kashmir. Is this the future we want to hand over to our children? If not, what can we do to be more mindful and responsible?,'' said Omar Abdullah, CM Jammu and Kashmir. He further added that ''Why don’t we start with simple actions—like using fewer plastic bags? Do we really need a government order to stop using them? As responsible citizens, what prevents us from carrying our own bags when we go shopping? Why must we rely on plastic from shops? If change only comes through stricter government intervention, then that may be the direction we are heading. But before it reaches that point, as a society, we still have the opportunity to come together and take meaningful steps to address this problem.'' The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policy intervention, improved inter-departmental coordination, and community participation to prevent further degradation and safeguard the region’s fragile environment for the future. Also read: Union Cabinet clears draft bill for amendments to Women Reservation Act; PM Modi calls it ‘need of the hour’

The CAG has also flagged weak coordination among key departments, including Revenue, Forestry, and Agriculture, noting the lack of a cohesive and integrated management strategy for protecting these vital ecosystems.

Over 500 lakes lost or shrinking in J&K, CAG flags urgent ecological threat

Not a single toilet was constructed in the national capital since the inception of the Swachh Bharat Mission two-and-half years ago, with funds to the tune of Rs. 40.31 crore for this purpose lying "idle", the CAG said today.

According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General or CAG tabled in the Delhi Assembly, the AAP-led government did not allocate the mission funds to implementing agencies as per their requirements.

It said the implementing agencies, including all three Municipal Corporations of Delhi or MCDs and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board or DUSIB, received a total of Rs. 40.31 crore under the Mission including Rs. 10.08 crore as state share, but the entire fund remained unutilised as of March 2017.

"NDMC, SDMC and DCB did not assess the requirement of household toilets, but the Mission funds totalling Rs. 16.92 crore was released to them for construction of household toilets," the CAG report said.

The auditing body said the DUSIB, responsible for making slums and JJ clusters in the city open defecation free or ODF, did not receive the state share from the Delhi government.

"The DUSIB received (as in January 2016) an amount of Rs. 6.86 crore, including the state share of Rs. 1.71 crore (25 per cent of the total cost) against Rs. 41.49 crore required by them.

"Though the body actively followed up with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for state share (60 percent) for construction of community toilets, the GNCTD did not release the same during 2016-17. Therefore, DUSIB refunded the entire fund of Rs. 6.86 crore it received under the Mission," the CAG said in its report.

"Not a single toilet was constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission in two and half years since its inception on October 2, 2014. All the fund totalling Rs. 40.31 crore allocated for this purpose is idling in banking as the monitoring and evaluation mechanism prescribed in the scheme was not worked upon.

"This shows that the GNCTD did not give adequate importance to the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission Scheme," the report said.

The CAG also added that beneficiaries of unauthorised colonies were not considered for construction of household toilets under the Mission, which means "most of the habitats known for lack of toilet facilities were excluded from the Mission at the planning stage itself".

According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General or CAG tabled in the Delhi Assembly, the AAP-led city government did not allocate the Mission funds to implementing agencies as per their requirements.

Not a single toilet was constructed in the national capital since the inception of the Swachh Bharat Mission two-and-half years ago, with funds to the tune of Rs. 40.31 crore for this purpose lying "idle", the CAG said today. According to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General or CAG tabled in the Delhi Assembly, the AAP-led government did not allocate the mission funds to implementing agencies as per their requirements. It said the implementing agencies, including all three Municipal Corporations of Delhi or MCDs and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board or DUSIB, received a total of Rs. 40.31 crore under the Mission including Rs. 10.08 crore as state share, but the entire fund remained unutilised as of March 2017. "NDMC, SDMC and DCB did not assess the requirement of household toilets, but the Mission funds totalling Rs. 16.92 crore was released to them for construction of household toilets," the CAG report said. The auditing body said the DUSIB, responsible for making slums and JJ clusters in the city open defecation free or ODF, did not receive the state share from the Delhi government. "The DUSIB received (as in January 2016) an amount of Rs. 6.86 crore, including the state share of Rs. 1.71 crore (25 per cent of the total cost) against Rs. 41.49 crore required by them. "Though the body actively followed up with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) for state share (60 percent) for construction of community toilets, the GNCTD did not release the same during 2016-17. Therefore, DUSIB refunded the entire fund of Rs. 6.86 crore it received under the Mission," the CAG said in its report. "Not a single toilet was constructed under the Swachh Bharat Mission in two and half years since its inception on October 2, 2014. All the fund totalling Rs. 40.31 crore allocated for this purpose is idling in banking as the monitoring and evaluation mechanism prescribed in the scheme was not worked upon. "This shows that the GNCTD did not give adequate importance to the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission Scheme," the report said. The CAG also added that beneficiaries of unauthorised colonies were not considered for construction of household toilets under the Mission, which means "most of the habitats known for lack of toilet facilities were excluded from the Mission at the planning stage itself".

Rs 40 cr allocated but not a single toilet built in Delhi under Swachh Bharat Mission: CAG