Link flow of funds with performance: Cong

Opposition Congress in Punjab today sought from 14th Finance Commission the linking of flow of funds to the state with the performance of various government departments.
However, it also sought liberal financial assistance for a period of five years for the state to create adequate financial space for the government to undertake various "corrective" measures.
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) in a meeting with the members of 14th Finance Commission here apprised the members of the Commission about the "economic disaster" caused by the ruling SAD-BJP government.
PPCC team comprising former Punjab Finance minister Surinder Singla and Rajanbir Singh party spokesperson demanded white paper on deferred expenditure, diversion of funds, off budget loans and contingent liabilities.

The PPCC team said in fact Punjab's fiscal indicators are the worst in the whole Country.
Singla said for the last six years, PPCC has been urging the state government to place before the people of Punjab the true state of affairs with regard to its finances and economy on the floor of the state legislature.

The PPCC further stated that the 13th Finance Commission had assessed the Punjab along with Kerala and West Bengal as the most financially stressed states in the country and had recommended a special package for restructuring their finances.
Punjab Congress has also demanded special economic package for the border districts in background of special package given to neighbouring hilly states.

"If the entire state cannot be covered at least the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur bordering Pakistan should be granted these concessions," they said.
It also urged that a special package of Rs 5,000 crore be devised to incentive production and diversification in the farm sector of Punjab.
Meanwhile, Shiromai Akali Dal sought special funds for the Punjab for having highest schedule caste population.
It also advocated 50 per cent devolution of the revenue received from the states under direct taxes besides giving special diversification package of Rs 10,000 crore for the state and enhancing compensation to Rs 30,000 per acre for total loss of crop due to natural calamities.