2020 · Paper IV · 10 marks

Briefly give an account of revenue and fiscal deficits and the debt positions of Andhra Pradesh for the last five years (since 2014-15).

In short

Since 2014-15, Andhra Pradesh has run persistent revenue deficits and kept its reported fiscal deficit near FRBM limits, while debt, including off-budget borrowings, rose steeply. The revenue deficit jumped 405% to ₹43,487 crore in 2022-23, and liabilities reached ₹5,79,621 crore (43.99% of GSDP) by March 2023.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Post-2014 bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh321’s fiscal trends reveal persistent revenue deficits, controlled fiscal deficits, and rising debt, reflecting its developmental and fiscal balancing act. The loss of Hyderabad and the need to build a new capital have intensified fiscal pressures, making these trends crucial for understanding the state’s economic health.
Revenue and Fiscal Deficits
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Persistent Revenue Deficits

Since 2014-15, Andhra Pradesh has faced continuous revenue deficits, with a 405% increase in 2022-23, driven by revenue expenditure exceeding receipts and committed expenditure at 64.6% of revenue receipts. This limits funds for new initiatives and forces borrowing for routine expenses.

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Revenue Mobilization Challenges

Own tax revenue grew at a CAGR of around 6% from 2018-19 to 2022-23, but growth slowed recently, constraining the state’s ability to bridge the revenue gap and exacerbating fiscal stress.

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Fiscal Deficit Near Limits

The reported fiscal deficit has been kept broadly near FRBM limits, though off-budget borrowings understate it, with the 2026-27 budget targeting 3.8%4, indicating efforts toward fiscal consolidation despite capital expenditure plummeting to 0.55% of GSDP.

Debt Position
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Rising Debt and Off-Budget Borrowings

Andhra Pradesh’s total liabilities reached ₹5,79,621 crore (43.99% of GSDP) by March 2023, with off-budget borrowings at ₹1,28,048 crore (9.72% of GSDP), posing transparency and sustainability concerns due to reliance on non-transparent debt instruments.

Conclusion
Addressing revenue mobilization and managing off-budget borrowings are critical for Andhra Pradesh’s fiscal sustainability and growth prospects. Enhancing capital expenditure and controlling committed spending will be key to balancing development with fiscal prudence.

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Hand-drawn diagram: AP's Debt Trap. AP's Debt Trap. Flow: High revenue deficit → Borrowing for routine expenses → Off-budget debt rises → Interest burden up 73% → Capital spending squeezed → (back to start)
Diagram: AP's Debt Trap

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This chapter in the exam

Government budgeting in Andhra Pradesh6 questions

Asked in 5 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
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2011
–
2012
1
2016
1
2017
–
2020
2
2023
1
2025
1

Most tested: Fiscal deficit, revenue deficit, and debt position of Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation.

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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2020 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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