Finance Commission visiting Assam from Apr 25-27; representatives of trade, industry to accompany

New Delhi, Apr 24 (KNN) The Fifteenth Finance Commission of the Government of India is visiting Assam from April 25-27, 2018 to assess the state of the finances of Assam, its socio-economic challenges and understand the efforts of the State Government to tackle these.

The Commission will be led by Chairman N.K.Singh while the other members include Shaktikanta Das, Dr. Anoop Singh, Dr. Ashok Lahiri and Dr. Ramesh Chand and Secretary Arvind Mehta along with other officials.

“There are significant opportunities for accelerating the momentum in the State’s health, educational and economic outcomes. Demographic diversities give rise to myriad socio-cultural conditions and contingencies offering developmental challenges of various forms. Notwithstanding recent growth spurt, endemic structural issues need to be addressed in a time bound manner,” the Ministry of finance said in a release.

“It is a matter of concern that per capita income of Assam is significantly lower than All India average which itself is lower than other emerging markets. Commission, therefore, would seek to explore opportunity of what structural, administrative and other changes are necessary by way of augmenting resources of state and also its proper utilization,” the release said.

The Finance Commission will make an in-depth Study of the recent developments and future possibilities of economic growth and development of Assam. This will be based on the various interactions and meetings that the Commission is scheduled to have in Assam during its visit.

The Commission will have meetings with Chief Minister, Ministers and other officials of the state. Detailed presentations will be made on the finances of the State Government.

The Commission will also meet leaders of various political parties, Representatives of Autonomous Councils, Representatives of Trade and Industry viz. Chambers of Commerce/Assam branch of FICCI, Assam Branch of Indian Tea Association, and other stakeholders to understand the opportunities and the challenges in the state. There will also be interactive session with Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions.  (With PIB Inputs)