Finance Commission's Telangana Visit Highlights Funding Concerns

The 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, visited Telangana and held meetings with political parties, local bodies, and industry chambers. Key discussions involved Telangana's GDP growth, discrepancies in fund allocations, and BJP's recommendations for a dedicated natural calamities fund and renewable energy infrastructure.

The 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, engaged in critical discussions during its Telangana visit. Meetings were held with political parties, local bodies, and industry chambers to assess financial allocations and state performance.

Key focus areas included Telangana's leadership in GDP growth and concerns over discrepancies in fund distribution. BRS MLA and former finance minister T Harish Rao called for a correction of alleged mismatches in Central tax shares, highlighting Telangana's model status.

The BJP appreciated the increase in state devolution shares and proposed establishing a dedicated fund for natural calamities, along with a mandatory allocation for renewable energy infrastructure and climate resilience.

(With inputs from agencies.)