Odisha getting more money after unconditional devolution:Sinha

Dismissing claims about cut in central funds to Odisha, Union Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha today said the state was rather getting more money following "unconditional devolution" initiated as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.
"As per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, the state's share has increased from 32 per cent to 42 per cent," Sinha told reporters after meeting Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Highlighting that the state was now getting 10 per cent more following changes in the funding pattern, Sinha said rather than getting money through central sponsored schemes, the state was now getting funds unconditionally.

As the country moves towards "unconditional devolution," the state was set to benefit immensely as it can utilise funds as per its own plans without confining the money to any particular purpose or scheme, he added.
Sinha said 4-5 areas were identified for collaborative efforts of both the Centre and the state.
These include accelerated irrigation programme, financing some medical colleges in the state, important projects in the pipeline involving funds from multilateral agencies and backward districts of the state requiring special assistance, he added.
Stating that the BJP-led NDA government believed in cooperative federalism, Sinha said the Centre is keen to provide necessary assistance to the state for its overall development.