Telangana: Congress' Troubles Mount With Question Over Funding To Fulfil Six 'Guarantees' Announced By Rahul Gandhi

The Congress party, with its six guarantees and welfare schemes, may have secured victory, but fulfilling these pre-election promises poses several challenges.

While some schemes can be delayed, others require immediate implementation.

In the competition with Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Congress made more pledges, including a Rs 2 lakh loan waiver for farmers, free RTC bus travel for women, monthly financial aid for women, Rs 16,000 per acre under Rythu Bharosa, gas cylinders at Rs 500, and free power up to 200 units.

However, implementing these promises poses a significant financial burden.

According to Jayaprakash Narayan, founder of Lok Satta, the Congress government may need to spend around Rs 1.2 lakh crore annually to implement various schemes, including existing ones.

The total promises made in Telangana are among the highest in the country, with estimates reaching Rs 50,000 crore.

Concerns have been raised about the financial feasibility, as the state's revenue and revenue expenditure for 2022-23 are nearly the same, around Rs 1,72,000 crore a year.

Experts suggest that if the entire budget is allocated to welfare schemes, salaries, and pensions, there will be no funds for essential capital expenditure like infrastructure projects.

Some corporations, such as TSRTC, are already facing financial difficulties, and implementing promises like free bus travel for women could cost the state government approximately Rs 10,000 crore a year.

Power discoms may also require Rs 5,000 crore annually for free power up to 200 units and other power subsidies.

Former chief secretaries and senior bureaucrats in the finance department warn that the government may need additional borrowings to fulfill these promises.

However, the state has already reached its fiscal responsibility and budget management limits, preventing further loans.