Odisha's financial share raised: Sitharaman

Bhubaneswar: Refuting allegations about the State being neglected by Centre, Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said the State is all set to get Rs 1.12 lakh crore extra as its share has been raised up to 42 per cent.

"Allocations are made on the basis of recommendation of the Finance Commission. As the State's share is enhanced from 38 per cent to 42 per cent, it is set to get Rs 1,12,677 crore in next five years," the Union Commerce and Industry minister told reporters here.

The minister refuted ruling BJD's charge about the Centre's neglect towards the State.

This year alone, the State has got Rs 8,231 crore, she informed, adding, the Finance Commission gave its recommendations after consulting all state governments.

Therefore, none can claim that the State was not consulted, the senior BJP leader said.

In fact, the Finance Commission rationalised allocation for different schemes while making its recommendations, Sitharaman asserted.

On the Rs 52,000 crore Posco steel plant, the Union minister sought to blame the State government for the uncertainty over the country's biggest FDI project.

It is the State government, and not the Centre, which has to decide about the fate of the plant, Sitharaman said. of the plant, Sitharaman said.