CHIEF MINISTER MR. LALDUHOMA ATTENDED MEETING OF 16TH FINANCE COMMISSION AND SMALLER NE STATES IN DELHI
Today at the Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, Chief Ministers and representatives from seven Northeastern states held a consultative meeting with members of the 16th Finance Commission. Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma also attended and presented the state’s key demands and concerns.
Among the prominent issues raised by Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma were:
- Devolution of Taxes – He called for an increased share of tax devolution to the states as the biggest sources of state finance.
- Population as a Criterion for Fund Allocation – He highlighted the challenge faced by Mizoram due to its smaller population, which often results in lesser central funds.
- Disaster Risk Index – He noted that major disasters such as landslides, floods, cyclones, and droughts often occur under this index. He appealed for inclusion of the specific hardships Mizoram faces like landslides, heavy rains/cloudburst, and forest fire.
- Transportation Cost Compensation – Given the state’s hilly terrain and connectivity challenges, he emphasized the need for special consideration to cover the high cost of transportation.
- Increased Funding for District Councils and Rural Local Bodies – He advocated for enhanced financial support for autonomous District Councils and continued grants to rural local bodies.
Apart from the Mizoram Chief Minister, the meeting was attended by Meghalaya Chief Minister Mr. Conrad Sangma, Tripura Finance Minister Pu Pranajit Singha Roy, and other top officials and representatives from various Northeastern states.
The Northeastern states jointly submitted a Joint Memorandum to the 16th Finance Commission outlining their common demands and concerns.
