The State Government on Wednesday decided to submit a comprehensive memorandum to the 14th Finance Commission (FC) seeking higher devolution of funds in form of State share from Central tax and non-tax pool for the period 2015-2020 by highlighting its socio-economic conditions, growth in various sectors and focus areas of development.
The Cabinet, which met here on Wednesday, approved the draft memorandum prepared by the Finance Department. It would be submitted to the FC during its two-day visit to the State on December 9 and 10.
Briefing the newsmen, Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra said, “We can make out a case for higher devolution of funds out of the revenue pool to Odisha.”
The five-member Commission including its Chairman Dr Y Venugopal Reddy is scheduled to arrive here on December 9 to discuss with the Chief Minister, officials and other stake holders on the state of State’s economy, demographic changes and other factors for determination of devolution of taxes, duties and grants-in-aid.
The Commission would submit its report to the Centre by October 31, 2014.
Mohapatra said while Odisha received the best recommendation of 5.21 per cent by the 9th FC, it got the lowest share of 4.28 per cent devolution of funds by 10th FC.
The Chief Secretary said that it was decided to abolish the panel route for recruitment of Diploma Engineers. Instead, the Cabinet approved the proposal of Water Resources Department to amend the Odisha Diploma Engineers’ Service (Method of Recruitment and conditions of service) Rules-2012. As per the new rules, the recruitment of Diploma Engineers would be held by Odisha Staff Selection Commission through a competitive examination. However, there would be age relaxation for those who are on panel. They would be given three chances even after 32 years of age.