Coronavirus-hit states' borrowings soar 51% to Rs 2.97 trn so far in FY21

Heavily indebted Uttar Pradesh borrowed 43 per cent less than what it had borrowed last fiscal till September 8

The coronavirus pandemic-stricken states have borrowed a whopping Rs 2.97 trillion so far this financial year, which is as much as 51 per cent more than the corresponding period a year ago.

But, the massive spike is led by just three states -- Karnataka, which borrowed Rs 23,000 crore, a 475 per cent more than last year's Rs 4,000 crore; Maharashtra borrowed 200 per cent more at Rs 37,500 crore as against Rs 12,500 crore last year; and Tamil Nadu borrowed Rs 46,000 crore or 117 per cent over Rs 21,190 crore of last year.

This means that these three