Ex-Gujarat CM Suresh Mehta alleges state accounts not in order
What's the story
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Suresh Mehta has raised concerns over the state's financial management, alleging its accounts are in disarray and public debt is on the rise.
To address the issues, Mehta has proposed an "alternative" budget ahead of the Gujarat assembly's budget session, which starts on February 19.
The state budget presentation is scheduled for the next day.
Budget proposal
Mehta proposes alternative budget, criticizes government policy
Mehta, a former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and current head of the Badle Gujarat forum has slammed the state budget for drifting away from reality over the years.
"Our budget proposes curtailment of projected 2025-26 budgetary allocations to six (out of 13 departments)—climate change, energy and petrochemicals, roads and buildings, urban development, industries and mines...finance," Mehta said.
Reform goals
Mehta's budget aims to curb financial indiscipline
Prepared with the help of experts, Mehta's proposed budget was submitted to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai in January. He had requested its inclusion in the upcoming state budget.
The former CM stressed that his proposed reforms intend to rein in financial indiscipline, waste, and embezzlement.
He slammed the government's policy of favoring rich tycoons and industrialists, arguing his budget would help rein in public debt mentality, outsourcing practices, corruption, and misuse of public enterprises.
Financial concerns
Mehta highlights growth in state budget and debt
Mehta highlighted the massive growth in the state budget, from ₹29,000 crore in 2010-11 to ₹3,32,000 crore in 2024-25.
Despite revenue growth post-Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation, he says Gujarat's financial burden only increases.
He claimed statistical manipulation doesn't reflect reality as Gujarat's debt is set to touch ₹4.26 lakh crore in 2024-25 and ₹5.23 lakh crore in two years.