CM of Meghalaya, Mizoram praise 16th Finance Commission for increasing in devolution share

A delegation of four smaller North Eastern region states – Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura – led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma Monday met members of the 16th Finance Commission, headed by its Chairman Arvind Panagariya.
The delegation comprised of Chief Minister Sangma, Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma, Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and officials of Sikkim government, expressed their gratitude to the 16th Finance Commission Chairman and his team for giving the smaller North Eastern region states the opportunity to articulate the challenges and region’s priorities.
The Finance Commission’s recommendations on the share of central taxes allocated to States for a five-year period are pivotal for the economic advancement of the States, particularly for the smaller North Eastern region states, which face resource constraints, an official said.
Chief Minister Sangma highlighted that a 20 per cent increase in the devolution share from 14th Finance Commission to 15th Finance Commission saw a 100 per cent increase in capital expenditure of the States.
“This enhanced fiscal space enabled marked improvements in health indicators, growth in the tourism sector and critical infrastructure development across various sectors,” Sangma said.
The region’s current growth trajectory and the imperative to sustain this momentum were also emphasised by Mizoram Chief Minister of Mizoram Lalduhoma and Tripura Finance Minister Roy.
During the discussion, the Chief Minister Sangma strongly advocated for the 16th Finance Commission to recommend at least a 25 per cent increase in the devolution share for the smaller North Eastern region states over the 15th Finance Commission period and a special infrastructure fund for the States. This collective demand received unanimous support from all States represented at the meeting.
The Chairman and members of the 16th Finance Commission responded positively, acknowledging both the unique challenges and the notable economic progress achieved by the smaller North Eastern region states during the current commission period.
A Joint Memorandum outlining the shared concerns and aspirations of the smaller NER States was formally submitted to the 16th Finance Commission.
The event, coordinated by the Finance Department of Meghalaya, concluded on an optimistic note, with all participants expressing hope for positive outcomes that will further the development of the smaller North Eastern region states.