Hyderabad: The Union Government on Monday placed before the Lok Sabha detailed information about Telangana’s loans, corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure, externally aided project loans, and national tax distribution. The disclosures came as part of written replies to questions raised by several Members of Parliament, offering a comprehensive view of the state’s fiscal situation.
Borrowings and Debt Profile
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha that Telangana borrowed a total of ₹13,133 crore from the Centre over the last four years. The borrowing figures included ₹4,784 crore in 2021–22, ₹2,501 crore in 2022–23, ₹1,948 crore in 2023–24, and ₹3,900 crore in 2024–25.
He further stated that, as of March 31, the overall debt of Telangana stood at ₹4,42,298 crore. This debt amounts to 26.2 percent of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), indicating a significant fiscal burden on the state’s economy.
CSR Contributions to Telangana
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Harsh Malhotra, in response to a question by Chevella BJP MP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, revealed that companies had spent ₹3,857.62 crore in Telangana under CSR initiatives over the past five years. Among the sectors that received support, education emerged as the largest beneficiary with ₹1,337.62 crore.
Healthcare followed next with ₹871.95 crore. The data reflected the significant role of private and corporate partnerships in contributing to state-level development through CSR funding.
Division of External Loans Between Telugu States
In another response, Pankaj Chaudhary addressed the issue of externally aided project (EAP) loans. He was replying to a question from Bhuvanagiri Congress MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy. The Minister clarified that loans obtained for EAPs under the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh were divided between the two successor states as per Section 54(1) of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
According to him, Telangana projects had received ₹2,547.07 crore more than what was due. This excess amount was taken into account during the final loan adjustment process between the states.
Tax Devolution and Special Grants
Additionally, in response to Khammam Congress MP Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy, Chaudhary said that states received ₹12.86 lakh crore from the Centre in 2024–25 through the devolution of taxes and duties. This amount, he said, fully matched the 41 percent devolution recommended by the Finance Commission.
He firmly denied any shortfall in fund transfers. He also clarified that the 15th Finance Commission did not make any provision for special grants to states. Therefore, no funds were released under that category during the said period.