Archive · 3 Oct 2025
State Government Finances: Rising Deficits and Bond Market Impact
State governments in India are facing financial difficulties.
They are borrowing more money by issuing bonds because their tax revenue is growing slower.
This is partly due to the central government cutting income taxes and GST.
These governments are also receiving less financial help from the central government.
While capital spending has increased, the financial pressures are likely to continue.
This could make it more expensive for these governments to borrow money in the future, impacting the bond market.
State fiscal deficits are rising, from 2.7% of GSDP in FY23 to 3.3% in FY25.
State government bond issuances are tracking higher by nearly 25% YoY in FY26 (till August).
Tax revenue collections growth has slowed down, impacting both state and central governments.
Grants from the central government to states are declining, impacting state finances.
Capital expenditure by states is increasing, while revenue expenditure is slowing.
- Who
- State governments
- What
- Financial challenges due to rising deficits and bond market impact
- When
- FY26 (April-July)
- Where
- India
- Why
- Due to slowdown in tax revenues, decline in grants, and expenditure trends
- State Fiscal Deficit (FY25)
- 3.3% of GSDP
- State Government Bond Issuance (FY25)
- ₹10.7tn
- Tax Revenue Growth (FYTD26 Apr-Jul)
- 6.6%
- Grants Decline (FY25)
- 19.2% YoY
- Capital Expenditure Growth (FY26)
- 17.0%
- GST Cut Impact on States
- 0.2% of GDP (estimated)
Sources
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