NEW DELHI: The government on Sunday raised borrowing limits for states for the current fiscal to 5% of GDP from 3% at present, subject to their carrying out specific reforms.
States fighting the covid-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown to contain the spread of the disease, have come under considerable strain, with economic activity at a near standstill and their revenues shrinking.
States have been asking the Centre to allow them to borrow more from the market to finance coronavirus-related expenses. Part of the borrowing will be linked to specified reforms, including recommendations by the 15th Finance Commission such as ensuring sustainability of additional debt through higher future GSDP growth and lower deficits, promoting welfare