Odisha has tremendous potentials of becoming a driver of the country’s economic growth, but it has lagged behind and we would see how this situation can be addressed,” said 15th Finance Commission Chairman NK Singh, who arrived here on Monday.
The commission is scheduled to hold consultations with the State Government and other stakeholders including political parties, chambers of commerce and industry and other organisations on the socioeconomic challenges and possibilities of growth and development in the State.
“There would be discussions on various aspects including Central assistance, sharing of taxes, grants to panchayati raj institutions and other important issues for three days,” said Singh.
Sources said the Odisha Government would present a memorandum while detailed presentations would be made on the finances of the State Government as well. The commission would conduct an in-depth study of the recent developments and future possibilities of economic growth and development in the State.
Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera said the State Government would submit a memorandum to the Finance Commission regarding financial planning and requirements from 2020 to 2025.
“The 15th Finance Commission’s Chairman has arrived while other members will be arriving tomorrow. They will hold discussions on the overall development of the State. We hope that the discussions would be beneficial for the State,” said Behera.