IMPHAL, Nov 8: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Friday held crucial talks with the 16th Finance Commission to explore ways of effectively utilizing central funds for the state’s development.
The discussions were centered around utilizing funds allocated through Centrally Sponsored Schemes, seeking grants-in-aid for the advancement of various sectors, and implementing specific development projects.
The Finance Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, aims to drive economic transformation in the state through strategic fund allocation.
Panagariya, in a recent press conference in Kohima, Nagaland, stressed the importance of states boosting their revenue generation for enhanced fiscal self-reliance. He pointed out that greater revenue generation is linked to a higher Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), leading to increased capital income.
Additionally, Panagariya discussed the Commission’s efforts to address the challenges faced by resource-dependent states like Nagaland, which rely heavily on central funding. He reiterated that the special category status, which was provided by the former Planning Commission, plays a vital role in determining the grants for such states.
