Telangana Debt to GDP Ratio

Explore the sustainable debt model of Telangana, Telangana Debt to GDP Ratio, where the per capita income surpasses public debt, supported by enduring assets. Delve into the State’s fiscal prudence, agricultural innovations, and growth strategies. Discover why Telangana can easily repay its debt, shaping a resilient economic future.

Telangana’s Per Capita Income and Debt Dynamics

In the realm of public finance, Telangana stands out as a beacon of fiscal responsibility and economic sustainability. The per capita income, an impressive Rs 3.08 lakh, significantly exceeds the country’s average of Rs 1,72,000. With a population of 3.82 crore, the State’s outstanding debt at Rs 2,83,452 crore and total liabilities at Rs 3.22 lakh crore in 2021-22 showcase a unique equilibrium between economic growth and responsible debt management.

Creating Durable Assets for Future Generations

Telangana’s success story is intertwined with its visionary projects such as the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project and Mission Kakatiya. These initiatives, bolstered by public debt, have transformed the agricultural landscape, providing assured irrigation and improving soil conditions. Notably, the Palamuru Lift Irrigation scheme has turned drought-prone areas into fertile lands, exemplifying how public debt can be a catalyst for sustainable development.

Telangana’s Agricultural Resilience

Rythu Bandhu and Agricultural Prosperity

Schemes like Rythu Bandhu have injected liquidity into farmers’ hands precisely when needed, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The State’s commitment to covering accidents in the field through Rythu Bima and ensuring the procurement of all produced grain adds an extra layer of security. Telangana’s Gross Irrigated Area has surged by 116%, a tangible testament to the success of these initiatives in creating lasting agricultural assets.

Debt Write-Offs: A Strategic Move

Telangana’s proactive approach to addressing farmers’ debt, culminating in a significant write-off of Rs 14 lakh crore, showcases a commitment to both economic growth and social welfare. By strategically using public debt, the State has not only improved farmers’ financial well-being but also elevated its Gross State Value Added (GSVA) to 18.8% in 2021-22 from 16% in 2014-15.

Fiscal Prudence in Public Debt Management

Telangana’s debt-to-GSDP ratio, standing at a commendable 28.2%, underscores the State’s fiscal prudence. The exceptional growth in the State’s revenue, expanding from Rs 29,288 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 1,06,949 crore in 2022-23, reflects both economic vibrancy and efficient debt utilization.

Telangana’s Economic Horizon: Unveiling Growth Discrepancies

As election fervor grips the nation, economic growth becomes the epicenter of political discourse. The spotlight shifts to states where GDP performances diverge from the national average, painting a nuanced picture of development. In the recent polls, Mizoram stands as an outlier with a GDP growth rate trailing behind, while Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan grapple with per capita income challenges since the last Assembly elections five years ago.

Progress Amidst Challenges: A Tale of Labor and Poverty

While indicators like labor force participation and poverty rates suggest incremental improvements, a shadow looms large in the form of high inflation. The cost of living emerges as a potential poll issue, especially as political parties shower promises of welfare schemes and “freebies.” Complicating matters, the debt-to-GDP ratio emerges as a cause for concern.

Telangana’s Debt Odyssey: Navigating Fiscal Challenges

Unveiling Telangana’s Debt Landscape

Telangana, amidst its 10th formation day celebration, grapples with a complex debt scenario. The debt burden, standing at Rs 75,577 crore in 2014, has soared to Rs 4,33,817 crore by October 2022, according to the Union Finance Ministry.

Examining Debt Components

Breaking down the figures, the state government’s debt accounts for Rs 2.83 lakh crore, while loans from various sources, including commercial banks and NABARD, contribute to the remaining debt. A staggering revelation unfolds as debts raised through PSUs, corporations, banks, NBFCs, NABARD, Power Finance Corporation, and RBI tally up to approximately Rs 8 lakh crore.

Political Allegations and Economic Realities

Amidst political finger-pointing, a BJP leader accuses the state government of pushing Telangana into a nine-year debt spiral. Allegations surface that the government struggles to meet its financial obligations, jeopardizing salary payments and bills to contractors.

Telangana’s Debt Position: Fact or Fiction?

Contrary to the claims, Telangana consistently ranks among the bottom five states for the lowest debt to GSDP ratio over three financial years. For the years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23, the state records ratios of 28.2, 27.4, and 28.2, respectively.

A Deep Dive into Borrowing Trends

Telangana’s debt trajectory reveals a significant increase, soaring from Rs 8,121 crore in the first year of its formation to a massive Rs 39,433 crore in the fiscal year 2021-22. The state’s reliance on public borrowing becomes evident as outstanding public debt surges nearly fourfold since 2014.

The Blame Game: Central vs. State Responsibilities

Center-State Dynamics on Debt Accountability

In a blame game, both the state and Central governments accuse each other of mounting debts. Telangana’s finance minister claims the union government owes Rs 1,05,812 crore to the state. The deadlock intensifies as unilateral decisions and retrospective restrictions on state borrowings become contentious issues.

Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act: A Double-Edged Sword

Telangana, like other states, adheres to the FRBM Act. However, claims arise that the union government’s imposition of restrictions contradicts the spirit of the act. The state defends its borrowing choices, emphasizing investments in capital expenditure and asset creation.

Telangana’s Debt in National Perspective

Per Capita Debt Comparison

Dismissing allegations, Telangana asserts its debt position remains favorable. While the Central government’s per capita debt stands at Rs 1,25,679, Telangana’s per capita debt is considerably lower at Rs 94,272. The state positions itself as the fourth lowest in debt to GSDP ratio, highlighting its relatively modest debt burden.

Conclusion: Navigating Fiscal Waters

Telangana’s economic journey unfolds as a tapestry of challenges, growth, and political wrangling. As the nation watches, the state grapples with economic intricacies, seeking a balance between development aspirations and fiscal prudence.