Govt preparing memo to urge allocation of more fund to 15th Finance Commission: Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, July 16 2018: A two day National seminar on "Terms of Reference of the 15th Finance Commission and its Impact on Small States with Reference to Manipur" started at Thoubal College today.

Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh who graced the inaugural ceremony as chief guest said that the Government will urge the 15th Finance Commission to allocate more funds for all round development in the State.

The Deputy Chief Minister who is also looking after Finance portfolio said that developing infrastructures and improving connectivity are the main areas where special attention has to be given.

Without allocating and investing more funds in these sectors, the pace for development cannot be accelerated, he said.

Stating that the primary aim of the Government is to ensure adequate infrastructures and to provide better connectivity in the State, Joykumar said that adequate funds for these sectors have to be allocated by the Finance Commission.

He added that developing infrastructures for better power generation and supply, education infrastructures, state of art, sports infrastructures and developing all roads are the main areas which needs to be taken care of and therefore, Government is preparing a memorandum to be presented to the 15th Finance Commission.

Joykumar Singh further said that with the introduction of GST, taxation system has also been changed.

He said, with GST, the revenue collection pattern with respect to Centre and the State is 50:50, while in VAT regime, the pattern were 40:60, which meant that the States share is more than the Central share.

Regarding the Act East Policy, Deputy Chief Minister said that Manipur, being the gateway to South East Asian Countries, a lot of developmental projects to facilitate neighbouring countries need to be developed.

Such seminar will deliberate on important aspects which help the State Government in preparing its memorandum in a proper manner, he added.

Professor E Bijoykumar Singh, Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion & Inclusive Policy, Manipur University, said, five yearly devolution of taxes to the States by Finance Commissions are important to ensure an all-round development.

State Specific Grants has to be revived so that specific areas which need special attention can be taken care of, he added.

Bijoykumar said, 14th Finance Commission has failed to allocate adequate funds for development with respect to Manipur and therefore, in the 15th Finance Commission award, adequate funds have to be allocated so that various developmental activities can be taken up.

O Chaoba Devi, Principal, Thoubal College also spoke on the importance of allocating more funds for the higher education sector.

Resource persons and delegates from across and outside the State participated among others in the inaugural session.

The two day seminar will deliberate on various funding issues and recommendations and suggestions will be presented to the Government.

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