Apparently impressed by the presentation of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, 14th Finance Commission Chairman YV Reddy on Friday assured Telangana government that the Commission would help the State in every possible way.
The Chief Minister mainly dwelt on the need for liberal funding for Telangana as several districts remained backward when the State was united. He made a special mention about Mahbubnagar and Khammam which were “hungry” for development.
He recounted the schemes being implemented by his government, including allotment of three acres of land to Dalit families. The Chief Minister sought development packages as well as enhancement of share of states in central taxes to 40 per cent.
Reddy, responding to KCR’s pleas, said the Commission would take forward these proposals and discuss them.
He said any package that would be given to Telangana should be desirable, feasible and realistic.
Reddy said the Commission would be fair to Telangana and consider positively to all the challenges faced by the State. He was also convinced by the importance of Intensive Household survey. “The Chief Minister made a strong argument in favour of many requirements of the State, need for efficiency in resource mobilisation and frequent references to Telangana State development,” said Reddy.
Reddy mentioned that the meeting with the TS Chief Minister helped him and other members of the commission in sensitising them. The Chairman specifically mentioned about “Our Village our Plan, Telangana Water Grid, Tanks in Telangana, Haritha Haram, Hyderabad Capital Reforms, and Power Deficiency.”
Dr Reddy also made a mention about Chief Minister’s observations in his speech on various issues and SC, STs and Backward Classes, as well as the various initiatives taken by the State government.
Earlier, KCR said there has been considerable increase in the non-tax revenues of the Centre. “We want to reinvent Telangana. We have high hopes on the 14th Finance Commission in resolving all contentious issues,” Rao said.
The Chief Minister also wanted the states be allowed flexibility in deciding the rates of GST within a floor rate and a band. Petroleum and liquor may be kept out of the purview of GST.
Rs 23,475-Crore Grant Sought
Telangana sought a grant of Rs 23,475 crore for various developmental works relating to around 25 State departments. KCR submitted the proposals to YV Reddy.
Source: The New Indian Express