HYDERABAD: The huge gap between the previous BRS govt's budget outlay for 2023-24 fiscal and the actual money it could muster means that the incumbent Congress govt has its task cut out to find fresh
revenue streams
. Or else depend largely on schemes of Central govt, which is led by the BJP.
The gap amounts to about Rs 66,000 crore between the BRS govt's 2023-24 budget outlay of Rs 2.9 lakh crore and the amount actually spent at Rs 2.24 lakh crore.
The expenditure was lowered due to a variety of reasons, but it would mean that the state did not get revenue as anticipated.
With over Rs 53,000 crore required for implementation of the six guarantees announced in the grand old party's manifesto in the run up to the elections and limited earnings, Congress might be forced to depend on
central schemes
.
Telangana spent 15% less than the budget estimates between 2015-16 and 2021-22, which was still 5% above the national average. The state also stands fourth in the gap between budget outlay and spend.
A wide gap between the original and revised estimates in 2023-24 was mainly due to zero earnings from the inter-state dispute settlement pegged at Rs 17,834 crore and central grants had also dried up.
In the capital receipts, 41,259 crore was projected at the beginning of the financial year, but only 13,953 crore was received from the Centre.
In addition, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi govt did not participate in many centrally-sponsored schemes. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders had criticised the BRS govt for the lost opportunities.
"The state can be part of Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana and double bedroom houses schemes as immediate options. There are over 60 central schemes being implemented across the country, Congress govt is studying various options," a source added.
TOI has learnt that Telangana was currently getting about 6,000 crore as part of centrally sponsored schemes, where state too needs to chip in with its share of funds.
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