Finance Commission to visit Maharashtra to discuss urbanisation, intra-state disparity

The Fifteenth Finance Commission is slated to visit Maharashtra from September 17 to 19, during which they will focus on issues related to urbanisation and intra-state disparity.

Ahead of the visit, the Commission reviewed various aspects of finances and issues related to socio-economic spheres from the Accountant General of Maharashtra. It had also held a consultation meeting with economists in Pune in the month of August to understand the issues in the region.

Even though the state contributes around 15 per cent to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), problems like faltering trend growth in revenue receipts and tax revenue, lack of implementation of the 4th and 5th State Finance Commission (SFC) recommendations, sharp socio-economical disparities across districts and farmer suicides mar the state.

The Commission which is led by Chairman N.K.Singh, comprises Shaktikanta Das, Anoop Singh, Ashok Lahiri, Ramesh Chand and Secretary Arvind Mehta, along with other officials. The Commission will hold meetings with the Chief Minister and other officials in Mumbai.

Meetings will also be held with leaders of various political parties, representatives from trade and industry sector, urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions to understand the issues concerning the state.