CM seeks raise in funds for smaller NE states  

‘20% increase in devolution of share witnessed 100% increase in capital expenditure’  

Shillong, July 7: Chief minister Conrad K Sangma has strongly advocated the need for the Centre to raise the devolution share for smaller North Eastern states by at least 25% over the 15th Finance Commission period and a special infrastructure fund for these states.

Sangma urged the 16th Finance Commission to make the recommendation accordingly during a meeting between Commission chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya and representatives of four smaller NE states in New Delhi recently.

Advertisement

Making his point for increase in devolution share, Sangma mentioned that an increase by 20% increase in devolution share from 14th Finance Commission to 15th Finance Commission saw a 100% increase in capital expenditure of the states.

The collective demand received unanimous support from all the NE representatives – Mizoram chief minister P Lalduhoma, Tripura finance minister Pranajit Singha Roy, and senior Sikkim government officials – in the meeting.

The Finance Commission’s recommendations on the share of central taxes allocated to states for a five-year period are pivotal for economic advancement of the states, particularly the resource-strained smaller NE states.

Sangma, meanwhile, pointed out that enhanced fiscal space in 15th Finance Commission enabled marked improvements in health indicators, growth in the tourism sector and critical infrastructure development across various sectors.

The region’s current growth trajectory and the imperative to sustain this momentum were also emphasized by chief minister of Mizoram and finance minister of Tripura.

advertisement

Commission chairman and members positively responded to the demand raised by the Meghalaya chief minister, acknowledging both the unique challenges and the notable economic progress achieved by the smaller NE states during the current commission period.

Meanwhile, the representatives of four states submitted a joint memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission outlining their shared concerns and aspirations.

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

Three Garo villages face identity crisis over documentation issue

Tura, Oct 24: Questions have been raised and fingers...

Opposition to limestone mining in Chokpot region rises

Tura, Oct 24: As many as six student and...

Chyne slams VPP-led EC for indulging in personal attacks

Shillong, Oct 23: Leader of Opposition in the Khasi...

VPP EM defends Hindi as ‘national language’

Shillong, Oct 23: A remark by Voice of the...

Tejashwi CM face for Bihar polls, VIP’s Sahani to be his deputy: INDIA bloc

Patna, Oct 23: The opposition INDIA bloc on Thursday...

Threads of change bring better days for Ri-Bhoi weaver

Shillong, Oct 23: A region with temperate climate, Ri-Bhoi...

Heated exchange of words in KHADC over ‘press freedom’

Shillong, Oct 23: The House of Khasi Hills Autonomous...

Chargesheet in rape-murder filed in record two weeks

Shillong, Oct 23: In a step towards ensuring speedy...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories