look news india
Shimla, June 24 (HS). The 16th Finance Commission is keeping an eye on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) implemented in Himachal Pradesh. The team of the 16th Finance Commission reached Shimla on Monday on a three-day visit. The Finance Commission team held a meeting with the government at the State Guest House Peterhoff on Monday in which CM Sukhu was also present. During this, the state government shared the financial situation of the state with the commission and in view of the ever-increasing revenue deficit, the government advocated the interests of the state before the Finance Commission so that the new Finance Commission could recommend to the Center to increase the grant.
After the meeting with the state government, the commission's chairman Arvind Panagariya said that the geographical conditions of Himachal are different from other states. Disasters increase the problems here even more. Such states require more money. Right now the Himachal government has put forth its point. After taking opinion and discussion from all the states, the commission will give its recommendations.
He said that Himachal Pradesh government has implemented OPS, which has affected the financial situation and this will also be looked into and only after that a decision will be taken on the grant. He said that the commission will also think about the distribution of free rubbers and the share of the states will be decided after preparing a detailed report.
Finance Commission should give its recommendations keeping in mind the geographical situation of Himachal: CM Sukhu
After the meeting with the team of 16th Finance Commission in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the government has placed the financial condition of the state before the Finance Commission. The state has to take more loans to repay the debt. If Himachal imposes cess on water to increase its income, it is banned by the court. Himachal has also banned the cutting of 68% of its forest land, keeping this in mind, the Finance Commission should give its recommendations in the interest of Himachal. The geographical condition of the state is different from the plains states, so Himachal should be taken special care of.
