Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, in presser refuted the state government’s claim that the central government had reduced the borrowing limit of Kerala. The minister laid down data to prove that state government’s accusation was incorrect.
V Muraleedharan revealed that for the financial year 2023-24 Kerala was allowed to borrow Rs. 32,442 crores. In addition, Rs.20,985 crores was permitted under replacement borrowing. Also, an amount of Rs.1,755 crores was sanctioned as central contribution under National Pension Scheme.
The minister said that a total of Rs.55,182 crores was allowed to be borrowed. The state had already borrowed Rs.34,661 till now. The Central government has also sanctioned Rs.15,390 crores for the first nine months. The remaining Rs.5,131 would be given in the last quarter.
Muraleedharan asked where the reduction is. The central government has not denied the previous quarter amount. He said that either the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister is unaware about these things or they are trying to mislead the people.
He also quoted the RBI report, which says that Kerala is one of the top five states with highest debts. He also questioned the LDF government’s payment of honorarium to former Congress leader KV Thomas, and the foreign trips of the CM and ministers.
The Minister also warned that this kind of extravagance cannot be permitted as it might lead to the financial situation of some of India’s neighbouring countries.
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