Mizoram to Host Finance Commission's Revenue-Sharing Discussions Starting Tomorrow

Aizawl, Feb 23 (NationPress) The 16th Finance Commission, under the leadership of its Chairman Arvind Panagariya, is set to initiate formal discussions with the Mizoram government, along with industrial organizations, local bodies (both rural and urban), and autonomous institutions starting tomorrow. The goal is to develop a revenue-sharing model between the central and state governments, along with addressing various other aspects, as reported by officials on Sunday.

Accompanied by three members — Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, and Manoj Panda — and a team of officials, the Finance Commission Chairman arrived in Aizawl on Sunday and had a meeting with the state Governor, Gen Vijay Kumar Singh (retd), at the Raj Bhavan.

During this courtesy meeting, the Governor highlighted the pressing needs of Mizoram and its various challenges, urging the Commission to take into account the state's financial constraints stemming from its low revenue collection while formulating recommendations to the central government.

He also pointed out the obstacles faced by Mizoram in terms of infrastructure development, attributing some of these challenges to the hilly terrain compared to other regions. Additionally, he raised concerns about the repercussions of conflicts in neighboring countries that have resulted in an influx of refugees, further straining the state, according to an official statement.

Furthermore, the Governor emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive actions to tackle the drug trafficking issue and to improve the overall law and order situation to combat it more effectively.

He also underlined the necessity for significant improvements to the state's only airport and the creation of more job opportunities for the youth.

Later, the Finance Commission team visited the Hunthar Veng area that was affected by landslides. Throughout their four-day stay in Mizoram, the Finance Commission will engage in a series of discussions with Chief Minister Lalduhoma, his cabinet members, government officials, political parties, three Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), local bodies, representatives from trade and industry, and Village Councils to gather their insights on several state-related issues as part of their preparations for recommendations to the government of India.

The statement indicated that the Commission plans to visit key locations, including Zoram Medical College and Hospital in Falkawn, as well as Thenzawl and Serchhip, where they will examine the Handloom Centre and other significant sites. Based on their evaluations, they will compile recommendations for submission to the Union government.

The 16th Finance Commission was established on December 31, 2023. It holds the responsibility of reviewing and recommending a revenue-sharing model between the central and state governments for a five-year period beginning on April 1, 2026.