BJP, Cong seek more funds for Gujarat from central revenues

The 14th Finance Commission, which began its two-day visit to Gujarat today, received memorandums from ruling BJP and opposition Congress seeking more funds from central revenue pool for the state.
BJP requested the panel to increase the share of allocation to the state to ensure large-scale development. "We have requested the Commission to increase the share of state in the divisible pool of central tax revenue by at least 50 per cent," the memorandum submitted by BJP said.
Congress also sought more central revenues for Gujarat's development, a party release said here.
After the visit, the panel will decide the share of central taxes to Gujarat for April 1, 2015, to March 3, 2020. The 13th Finance Commission had given Gujarat 3.04 per cent share of the central taxes.

BJP said delays in grant of central approval for raising the Sardar Sarovar dam's height has added to the project cost.
"The Commission should make special allocation for urban infrastructure and urban governance. Additional assistance is required for maintaining road network across Gujarat," the memorandum stated.

Congress asked the panel to look into the Calamity Fund, which is currently audited by a private firm. The Opposition party demanded that CAG be asked to audit the fund and its report placed before the State Assembly.
The Commission members and Gujarat government officials will hold a meeting tomorrow where Chief Minister Narendra Modi will also be present.

Former RBI Governor Y V Reddy is chairman of the four- member Commission. The panel, set up earlier this year, will submit its report in October, 2014.