Financial governance in Mizoram has come under severe scrutiny as the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee raised deep concerns over the state's escalating debt. Addressing media representatives during a press conference in Aizawl on Wednesday, Congress publicity chairman P C Laltlansanga stated that reliance on heavy borrowing by the Zoram People's Movement administration is steering the state into a perilous debt trap.
State Debt Surpasses the Annual Budget
The primary concern highlighted during the conference was the massive expansion of public liabilities relative to state revenue capacity. According to financial figures presented by the opposition party, Mizoram's total outstanding liabilities have surged to approximately Rs 19,085.15 crore. This figure stands in sharp contrast to the state's annual budget allocation of Rs 17,076.92 crore. The total accumulated debt now outpaces the entire state budget by around Rs 2,008.23 crore, creating what the leadership described as an unprecedented fiscal scenario in Mizoram's history.
Rising Per Capita Liability and Accelerated Borrowing
The economic impact of this borrowing spree extends directly to individual citizens across the state. When calculated across the population, the current financial obligations translate to an average debt burden of nearly Rs 1.45 lakh for every resident, encompassing everyone from newborn children to senior citizens. Comparing current financial metrics with historical performance, P C Laltlansanga claimed that the ruling administration has managed public finances less effectively than any previous government in the region.
The speed of fresh loans taken during the current financial year has also drawn sharp criticism. During just the first seven months of the present fiscal period, the administration secured approximately Rs 6,119.8 crore in fresh loans. This seven-month borrowing total already exceeds the Rs 5,308 crore taken in loans across the entire previous financial year, demonstrating a sharp acceleration in debt accumulation.
Controversy Over Restricted Tenders and Financial Calls
Beyond the raw debt statistics, the Congress leadership questioned how borrowed public capital is being spent. Specific concerns were raised regarding the mechanism of awarding government contracts, alleging an over-reliance on restricted tenders and direct departmental execution. The party asserted that such practices benefit a selected group of individuals and entities rather than serving broader public interests, while relying on borrowed money to fund those projects.
To address the growing fiscal strain, the opposition has formally urged the administration to implement immediate corrective measures, restrict excessive borrowing, and establish fiscal stability. On their part, leaders of the Zoram People's Movement declined to provide immediate comments on the assertions, indicating that a formal response would be issued at a suitable time.
