Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia on Tuesday suggested that Odisha, instead of seeking Special Category State (SCS) status, focus on different other windows to get more and more assistances from the Centre.
During a question-answer session here after delivering a memorial lecture at the Ravenshaw University, Montek said Special Category State status is accorded to a State under very special circumstances and Odisha doesn’t have any special disadvantage to get such tag.
“The special category status was never meant for a State because it has low income,” Montek said, adding that the National Development Council (NDC), which decides on the issue has received demands from Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Bihar along with Odisha for this category. But recently, the status was accorded to a bifurcated State of Andhra Pradesh because it was deprived of its capital Hyderabad along with lots of resources, Montek said.
Taking a jibe at the BJD’s agitation over the SCS issue, Montek said when Odisha is economically doing better now the demand for special category status is “politically biased”. “Within the existing framework in the State, Odisha can achieve phenomenal growth rate,” he said, adding that there are many other windows available for the State to get more money from the Centre.