Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh recently held important discussions with the 16th Finance Commission, aiming to effectively utilize central funds for the state’s growth and economic transformation. The talks centered around optimally utilizing funds provided through Centrally Sponsored Schemes, securing grants-in-aid for various sectors, and the successful execution of specific projects to boost Manipur’s development.
The meeting was led by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, the Chairman of the Finance Commission, who emphasized the critical role of strategic fund allocation to drive economic change in the state. The discussions are part of efforts to ensure that central resources are leveraged effectively to support the state’s fiscal growth.
Earlier in November, during a press conference in Kohima, Nagaland, Chairman Panagariya urged states to enhance their own revenue generation efforts. He emphasized the importance of fiscal self-reliance and assured that the regular devolution of grants to states would continue. “States should focus on increasing their internal revenues. A larger Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) leads to higher revenues, which ultimately translates into higher capital incomes for the state,” Panagariya said.
The Commission’s recommendations also included strategies for bridging the resource gap in states like Nagaland, which relies heavily on central funding. Panagariya explained that the special category status for such states was related to grants previously allocated by the Planning Commission.