13th Finance Commission arrives, holds discussions with state authorities

The 13^th Finance Commission headed by Dr. Vijay Kelkar arrived here today on a 3-day visit. Soon after their arrival, the Commission held discussions with the State Government authorities and heard the execution and implementation of several schemes from them and took an over view of the functioning of various departments.

The Commission comprises besides Chairman, Mr. B.K. Chaturvedi, Dr. Indra Rajaraman, Prof. Atul Sarma, Dr. Sanjeev Misra, all members and Mr. Sumit Bose, Secretary, Mr. B.S. Bhullar, Joint Secretary and Mr. Rohtik Roy, Economic Advisor to the Commission.

The Commission reviewed the functioning of Rural Development and Housing and Urban Development departments at a joint meeting of the Commission and State officials. Commissioner-Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Naseema Lankar and Secretary, Rural Development, Mr. M.S. Khan gave an over view of their respective departments to the Commission. Also present in the meeting were Mayor, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Mr. Salman Ali Sagar and Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Mr. Kavinder Gupta.

In his projection, Mr. Salman Ali Sagar demanded enhancement of state share to urban local bodies from 10 to 25 percent. He demanded approval of Rs. 69 crore city beautification plan and Rs. 50 crore sanitation proposal for the city. He also demanded transfer of services and departments to SMC and JMC as already decided. Rs. 45 crore plan for two slaughter houses in the city was also projected.

Mr. Kavinder Gupta also made similar demands regarding funds for roads, sanitation, play grounds, crematoriums, solid waste management project etc. He also projected a demand of Rs. 450 crore project for the development of lanes and bye-lanes of Jammu city.

Representatives of other Urban Local Bodies from Kashmir and Jammu and Panchayats from all across the State also put their thoughts before the Commission.

Later, the Commission along with the officers of the State Government went to see the 4.5 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant at Laam, Nishat and Eco-Park at Tailbal developed by the LAWDA.