Unlocking Mizoram’s Future: How the 16th Finance Commission’s Visit Could Transform the State!

The 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, is visiting Mizoram from February 23 to 26, 2025, to discuss fund allocation and assess the state’s financial needs. During a meeting with Governor Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, the challenges of low revenue collection, infrastructure development, and the impact of regional conflicts were highlighted.

The Governor emphasized the urgent need to address drug trafficking and improve law and order while enhancing the state’s only airport to boost tourism and employment. The commission will engage with various stakeholders to gather input for their recommendations to the Government of India. Established on December 31, 2023, the commission is tasked with reviewing the revenue-sharing model between central and state governments for the upcoming five years.

Unlocking Mizoram’s Future: How the 16th Finance Commission’s Visit Could Transform the State!

The 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, is on a four-day visit to Mizoram from February 23 to 26, 2025, to discuss fund allocation for the state. The commission paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Mizoram, Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), at the Raj Bhavan in Aizawl this evening.

During the meeting, the Governor expressed his sincere appreciation for the commission’s visit to evaluate Mizoram’s financial situation. He highlighted the state’s needs and challenges, urging the commission to consider Mizoram’s financial constraints stemming from its low revenue collection when making recommendations to the central government.

The Governor also pointed out the difficulties faced by Mizoram in infrastructure development due to its hilly terrain compared to other areas. Additionally, he mentioned the impact of conflicts in neighboring countries, which have led to an influx of refugees and increased pressure on the state. He emphasized the urgent need to address drug trafficking in Mizoram and improve law and order. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of enhancing the state’s only airport and creating more job opportunities for the youth.

Additionally, he mentioned the impact of conflicts in neighboring countries, which have led to an influx of refugees and increased pressure on the state’s resources and public services. This situation has strained Mizoram’s capacity to manage essential services, prompting the Governor to call for greater support from the central government in addressing these humanitarian challenges.

He emphasized the urgent need to address drug trafficking in Mizoram, which has emerged as a significant concern affecting the youth and overall law and order. The Governor advocated for enhanced law enforcement measures and community outreach programs to combat drug abuse effectively. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of enhancing the state’s only airport to improve accessibility and promote tourism, which could generate employment opportunities for the youth and stimulate economic development.

During their visit, the 16th Finance Commission delegation will engage in discussions with the Chief Minister, government officials, political parties, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), local bodies, trade and industry representatives, and village councils to gather input on issues related to the state as part of their recommendations to the Government of India. They will also hold a press conference and inspect key sites, including Zoram Medical College & Hospital in Falkawn, Thenzawl, and Serchhip, where they will visit the Handloom Centre and other significant locations.

The delegation, led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, includes members Mr. Ajay Narayan Jha, Ms. Annie George Mathew, and Dr. Manoj Panda, along with other key officials who are committed to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within Mizoram.

The 16th Finance Commission was established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution on December 31, 2023. It is tasked with reviewing and recommending the revenue-sharing model between the central and state governments for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2026. The commission comprises Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya and four full-time members: Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Smt. Annie George Mathew, Dr. Manoj Panda, and Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh.