Bhubaneswar: The Fifteenth Finance Commission had words of praise for Odisha for what this developing state has achieved on aspects of development. On health, education and poverty alleviation, the Commission cheered Odisha on to achieve more so that it can catch up with the marks of the national standard.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission headed by N.K Singh is in Odisha on a three-day visit till 11 January, It had a meeting with a panel of Odisha Government headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar on January 9.
The Commission appreciated Odisha for doing well in reducing Infant Mortality Rate IMR and Maternity Mortality Rate MMR but was not satisfied with the numbers of Doctors available with respect to Population. For quality medical service, especially in Rural, Odisha he expressed the need for more medical colleges and institutions.
In the sphere of education, the Commission felt that Odisha required to put more emphasis on the sphere of R&D and also in HRD. Multipronged development is required in the primary, secondary and higher secondary education sector.
It appreciated the reduction of poverty in all across Odisha at the same time pointed that Odisha needed to cover more distance to reach the level of National standard.
Similarly, the Commission appreciated the State Government for its project ‘KALIA’, for its handling of the natural disaster and for Women empowerment, at the same time it wished transparency and credibility to be honored in the identification of beneficiaries.
They hoped that identification of intended beneficiaries would meet the benchmark of transparency and credibility.
Earlier, the Chairman and members of the 15th Finance Commission had a most productive and enriching interaction with representatives of the various political parties in the state, says an official release.
The release reports, there was an exchange of ideas and opinions, some familiar and some innovative. There was unanimity amongst both sides that cess and surcharge should be brought within the divisible pool.
“Most importantly the Commission felt that if there is constructive impediment Finance Commission must take this into account in its vertical devolution,” mentions the release.
A per the official release, The Idea of a heritage university and disaster management institute was discussed. The Commission felt that given the proneness of the state to disaster, such management institutions are constitutional impairment and deserve careful consideration.
Political parties shared the concern on progressive erosion of the 7th schedule of the constitution.
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