Assam’s outstanding debt has increased more than four-and-a-half times over the past decade, reaching Rs 1.62 lakh crore as of March 31, 2025, the State Assembly was informed on Tuesday.
Replying to questions raised by Opposition MLAs, Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah said the state’s outstanding debt stood at Rs 35,690 crore on March 31, 2016. According to the latest figures received from the Accountant General, the total debt had risen to Rs 1,61,761 crore by March 31, 2025.
The Minister, however, clarified that Rs 18,582 crore of the total liabilities comprise interest-free loans with a repayment period of 50 years. Excluding these loans, Assam’s interest-bearing debt stands at Rs 1,43,179 crore.
Baruah also informed the House that the state government paid Rs 9,467.75 crore as interest on its borrowings during the 2024-25 financial year.
The information was placed before the Assembly in a written reply to queries submitted by Opposition legislators seeking details of the state’s outstanding debt and loan liabilities.
