Bhubaneswar, 6 February (H.S.): In a meeting with Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, and other commission members, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi advocated for an increase in the state's share of Central taxes. He requested that the share be raised from the current 41% to 50%.

The Chief Minister also called for an allocation of ₹12,59,148 crore for Odisha, stressing that this funding would significantly enhance the state's development efforts. He sought this allocation for the five-year period from 2026 to 2031.

Majhi's specific demands included ₹9,88,422 crore as Pre-Devolution Revenue, ₹1,10,434 crore for the state's special needs, and ₹1,36,000 crore for local bodies. Additionally, he requested ₹31,400 crore for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and ₹29,252 crore for disaster management.

The Odisha government also advocated for an increase in its share of the Central allocation, proposing an increase from 4.528% to 4.964%. The state suggested that the Finance Commission allocate 2% of the Gross Revenue Receipt (GRR) to panchayats and municipalities.

Majhi further requested a 100% allocation for the SDRF, rather than the usual 75% provided by the Centre, with states contributing the remaining 25%.

During the meeting, Majhi reiterated Odisha's ambition to rank among the top five states in the country. He also urged the 16th Finance Commission to focus on key areas such as water resources, health, and financial security for the elderly. He called for special attention to urbanisation, rural development, and the advancement of agriculture and the MSME sector.

The members of the 16th Finance Commission have been visiting Odisha since February 4 and will conclude their visit on February 7.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda