Odisha has potential to drive India's economic growth: Finance Commission chairman

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has tremendous potential of becoming a driver of country’s economic growth; but it has lagged behind and we will see how this can be addressed, said 15th Finance Commission chairman, NK Singh, who arrived in Bhubaneswar today.

The Commission is scheduled to hold consultations with Odisha government and other stakeholders including several political parties, chambers of commerce and industry and other outfits on socio-economic challenges, future possibilities of growth and development.

“There will be extensive deliberations on various aspects including Central assistance, sharing of taxes, grants to panchayati raj institutions and other important issues for three days,” said Singh.

Official sources said Odisha government will present its memorandum while detailed presentations will be made on the finances of the State Government as well. The Commission would conduct an in-depth study of the recent developments and future possibilities of economic growth and development in the State.

Odisha Finance Minister Shashi Bhusan Behera informed that the Odisha government will submit a memorandum to the Finance Commission regarding financial planning and requirements from 2020 to 2025.

“Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission has arrived while other members will be arriving tomorrow. They will hold discussions on the overall development of the State. We hope that the discussion will be beneficial for Odisha,” said Behera.