New Delhi: 15th Finance Commission began its 4 day visit to the State of Arunachal Pradesh yesterday (5th April 2018). The Commission had meetings with the State Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and other officials of the State. The Commission also held wide ranging interactions with the leaders of various political parties, Tribal Leaders, Local bodies and Leaders of Businesses and received detailed insights into the opportunities and challenges lying
ahead for the State. The Commission also met the State Governor Brigadier (Dr.) B.D.Mishra.
Innovative Measures required for Vertical Devolution to NE States: State Govt.
The Chief Minister welcomed the 15th Finance Commission and thanked for choosing Arunachal Pradesh as the First State for the Commission’s visit. Detailed presentations were made by the Team Arunachal led by the Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu on the finances of the State Government, giving in depth understanding of the efforts made by the State for the development of them State and its projection for the award period of the 15th Finance Commission.
The Chief Minister urged the commission to consider innovative measures for vertical devolutions, specially for the North Eastern States, looking at their special requirements.
The Land of Rising Sun – Opportunities and Challenges
The State Government team led by the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary Shri Satya Gopal in their 4 hours long presentation outlined the opportunities and challenges for the state and outlined broad contours of their demands. Some of the points highlighted by the State Govt. are as follows:
1. Arunachal Pradesh must be seen from the viewpoint of its peculiar geographical location, hilly terrain, hostile topography, limited working season, lack of infrastructure which creates cost disabilities. This aspect
needs attention.
2. In North Eastern Region, Arunachal Pradesh stands second after Tripura in respect of total capital expenditure incurred as percentage of GSDP. state needs more funds for infrastructure development.
3. On account of the lack of investment from private sector and low resource base, Government is the major provider of employment and also funding to create infrastructure.
4. Physical as well digital connectivity is the biggest bottleneck for various developmental programmes.
5. Credit Deposit Ratio in the State is less than 30 against a norm of 60, which shows that the outreach of the banking sector and financial inclusion in the State is very poor.
6. In a disaster prone State like Arunachal Prasdesh, Corpus of NDRF grant needs to be enhanced and Adhoc releases should be available at the beginning of the year.
7. Environment Conservation, Biodiversity of the State and the challenges related to the Climate Change should be taken into account in the context of developmental efforts made.
8. Special compensation should be made under CAMPA to strike a balance between economic activities and environmental benefits accrued by the forest cover which is 80% of the State.
9. Compensatory development plan is required for development of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts.
The Chief Minister on behalf of the State Government submitted a detailed Memorandum to the Commission.
Much has been achieved, Yet much remains
The Commission appreciated the constructive and useful suggestions made by theState Government towards empowerment of the States and their development.
The Commission also placed on record its appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the State Govt. and stated that the issues raised would receive due attention during deliberation in the Commission. The Commission also looked forward to continuing interaction with the State Government. The Commission will finalise its recommendations by October 2019 after completing its discussions with all the State Governments, the Government of India and relevant stakeholders.
