By Roy Kupar Synrem
If we live in Meghalaya and follow the news, we must have heard that the State Government keeps borrowing money — but what does that really mean for us, and why should we care? According to the audit report by Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), the total public debt of Meghalaya in 2022-23 was ₹ 14,637.12 crore. This debt includes money borrowed as market-loans (from the open market), loans from financial institutions, and loans/advances from the Central Government. As per various Reports the debt relative to the size of Meghalaya’s economy — measured by Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) — has risen sharply. In 2017-18, debt was about 32% of GSDP; by 2021-22, it jumped to nearly 41% and for 2022-23 it was 43.19%. Because of this, Meghalaya now ranks among the top few Indian States (and among the top in the Northeast) in terms of debt-to-GSDP ratio. What this means is that the State Government’s borrowings have ballooned. And the stakes for the citizens are rising too.
If the borrowing-growth imbalance continues, Meghalaya could slide into a debt trap. This means that Debt servicing (interest + repayment) may swallow a large share of the State budget in the future. Public services — healthcare, education, rural infrastructure — may suffer budget cuts, or remain underfunded even while borrowing increases.Fiscal pressure may push the government to introduce higher taxes or user charges for public utilities, burdening ordinary citizens.The state’s ability to respond to emergencies (floods, pandemic, disasters) may shrink dramatically. Future generations could inherit a legacy of debt rather than development. For people who care about their children’s opportunities, fair access to services, or long-term welfare — this is a worrying possibility.
For a safer financial future of the State, we as the Citizens should demand that the State government should use borrowings only for genuine long-term investment (infrastructure, human development) and not for recurring expenses like salary, subsidies, or day-to-day operations. Efforts should be made to raise own revenue sustainably — better tax collection, improving local economy, promoting responsible economic growth. Improve transparency on how borrowed money is spent — make it easy for citizens to see whether loans lead to actual development, not just more borrowing. Maintain fiscal discipline — avoid borrowing just to repay old loans; ensure debt-to-GSDP ratio stays within safe limits. Priority should be given to development projects with clear benefit and return — those that enhance livelihoods, education, healthcare, and make Meghalaya more self-reliant.
Borrowing by itself is not inherently bad: done right, it helps build roads, schools, and opportunity. But when borrowing becomes habitual — used to pay old loans, fund recurring expenses, or mask lack of revenue — it becomes dangerous. For Meghalaya, the rising debt is a warning sign. If unchecked, it could become a burden on future generations, weaken public services, and limit economic prospects.
And hence, it’s time for us, the citizens to ask not just how much is borrowed, but why and ensure that every rupee borrowed helps build a stronger, more prosperous Meghalaya and not a bigger financial burden for the future generations.
(The writer is an Advocate and President of the Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council. His views are of his own and do not necessarily reflect that of Highland Post. He can be reached at royk.synrem@gmail.com)
