Centre Writes to States Suggesting Options of Borrowing Money to Make Up for GST Shortfall
News 18The central government on Saturday wrote to states suggesting options of borrowing money to make up for the Rs 2.35 lakh crore shortfall in GST revenues expected in the ongoing fiscal. Two days after first suggesting to states to borrow money to make up for the shortfall at the GST Council meeting, the finance ministry wrote to state governments saying they could borrow either via a special window it will facilitate through the RBI or raise debt from the market. The Centre has estimated that of this Rs 2.35 lakh crore, Rs 97,000 crore compensation requirement is due to GST rollout and the remaining is on account of the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Giving two options, she said states can borrow either Rs 97,000 crore — the deficit arising out of GST implementation — or the entire Rs 2.35 lakh crore.