GUWAHATI, Dec 5 - PK Datta, Chairman of the Fifth Assam State Finance Commission, presented the Commission�s report to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today, said an official press release here.
The report is expected to bring about radical changes in the financing of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the General and Sixth Schedule Areas of the State.
The report will be examined by the State government and placed before the State Cabinet for its consideration and approval.
The Commission has reviewed the finances of the State government, particularly in the context of the changed scenario emerging out of the funding of the 14th Central Finance Commission and the subsequent announcements made by the Central government. After detailed examination of revenues and expenditures of the State government, balances from current revenue at pre-devolution stage has been arrived at. The Commission urged the Union government to extend necessary financial support to the State government. Moreover, the Commission has determined the principles and the criteria which should govern distribution of resources between the State government and the PRIs and ULBs of General Areas and Sixth Schedule Areas for the period between 2016 and 2020.
The report contains devolution and specific purpose grants-in-aid to 21 zilla parishads, 185 anchalik panchayats, 2200 gaon panchayats and 78 ULBs in general areas. In general areas the total number of entities to be benefited is 2,484. Similarly, the Commission has recommended financial assistance to 474 VCDC, 34 blocks and 20 ULBs in the Sixth Schedule Areas. The main report consists of a total of 118 recommendations.
Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, Additional Chief Secretary VB Pyarelal, Commissioner and Secretary to the Chief Minister Sanjay Lohia and Commissioner and Secretary Finance Dr Ravi Kota were also present on the occasion.
