News: The Central Government has increased the borrowing limit of states from 3% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) to 5%.
Facts:
Key Facts:
- States have so far borrowed only 14% of the 3% of GSDP limit which is authorised to them while 86% of the limit remains unutilized.However,the limit of states has now been increased from 3% of gross state domestic product (GSDP) to 5%.
- But part of this borrowing will be linked to specific reforms in four areas:
- Universalisation of ‘One Nation One Ration card’
- Ease of Doing Business
- Power distribution and
- Urban Local Body revenues.
- A specific scheme will also be notified by Department of Expenditure on the following pattern:
- Unconditional increase of 0.50%
- 1% in 4 tranches of 0.25%, with each tranche linked to clearly specified, measurable and feasible reform actions
- Further 0.50% if milestones are achieved in at least three out of four reform areas.
Additional Facts:
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act(FRBM Act):
- It was enacted in 2003 to introduce transparency in India’s fiscal management systems by reducing fiscal deficit.
- The act mandated the reduction of the fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP but it has been subsequently amended and the present target is 3.1% by March 2023.
- The states have also enacted their own respective fiscal Responsibility Legislation which sets 3% of Gross State Domestic Product(GSDP) cap on their annual budget deficits.
