CM seeks 20,000 Crores from 14th Finance Commission
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2013 : Apprising the visiting team of the 14th Finance Commission that 90 per cent of the non-plan fund goes to security related expenditures , Chief Minister O Ibobi demanded Rs 20,000.54 crore during the period of 14th Finance Commission.

The Chief Minister, his Council Ministers and high-ranking Government officials met the 14th Finance Commission led by its Chairman YV Reddy at the conference hall of the Secretariatm South Block this morning, informed a source.

After Chief Minister O Ibobi put forth his opinions and what the State Government expects from the 14th Finance Commission, Additional Chief Secretary who is also in charge of Finance, RR Rashmi gave a detailed presentation about what Manipur would require as well as the likely expenditures during the period of 14th Finance Commission.

Ibobi introduced Manipur to the visiting team as India's gateway to South East Asia.

He highlighted Manipur's commendable achievement in the field of sports and its low mortality rate.

The 14th Finance Commission

Ibobi stated that 47 per cent of the total population of Manipur belongs to BPL category whereas the Government is the only reliable provider of jobs in the absence of big industries and factories.

Informing that the State Government encountered a grim financial situation marked by overdraft at the beginning of the current financial year, the Chief Minister asserted that the 14th Finance Commission need to pay special attention to Manipur.

With the 13th Finance Commission not responding to the State's appeal to make up the non-plan gap, the State Government endured a huge non-plan gap.

Notably, the Government of India has been providing Rs 600/700 crore to the State annually for making up the non-plan gap.

Claiming that the State's revenue receipt has been rising following a process of resource mobilisation and tax revision, Ibobi pointed out that Manipur is one of the States worst affected by insurgency movements.

Almost 90 per cent of the non-plan amount goes to security related expenditures, Ibobi stated while urging the 14th Finance Commission team to provide necessary assistance based on State specific requirements.

There are 29 blocks in Manipur where there is not a single branch of any bank.

Security is the primary stumbling block in any effort aimed at opening bank branches which implies greater expenditures on security related measures.

The Chief Minister urged the team to award Rs 20,000.58 crore to Manipur during the 14th Finance Commission period which would come into effect from April, 2015 .

He also made a strong point for adequate awards in favour of Autonomous District Councils and other local bodies as well as towards preservation of environment and ecology including Loktak Lake.

After listening to all the points highlighted by the Chief Minister and Government officials, the Commission's team made some queries on certain matters related to finance.

However, reporters who went to Secretariat to collect reports about the meeting were barred entry citing security reasons and all the reporters were made to wait outside the Secretariat complex.

Later, the Commission's team visited Kangla and Loktak lake.

The team would hold another round of meeting with local bodies and political parties tomorrow before departing Imphal.