478/2024-2025

Aizawl, February 23, 2025: The 16^th Finance Commission (XVI-FC), led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, arrived in Aizawl today for a four-day visit. The team arrived at Lengpui Airport in two groups:

The first team, comprising chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya with esteemed members of the Commission:

Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, former Finance Secretary

Smt. Annie George Mathew, former Special Secretary of the Department of Expenditure

Dr.Manoj Panda, former Director of the Institute of Economic Growth, along with Chairman’s spouse Mrs.Amita Panagariya and his PS Shri Vivek Kumar, Joint Director, arrived at 12:45 pm.

The second team, comprising:

Shri Ritvik Pandey, Secretary,

Shri Rahul Jain, Joint Secretary

Shri K. Balaji, Director

Shri Maanas Bajpai, Deputy Director

Smt Meena Mahendra, PPS to JS

Shri Liankhankhup Guite, Deputy Director arrived at 2:45 pm.

They were warmly received at the Airport by Dr. Vanlalthlana Hon'ble Minister, Shri TBC Lalvenchhunga,MLA & Advisor to CM and Shri Khilli Ram Meena, Chief Secretary, Shri Lalmalsawma Pachuau,Secretary,Planning, and other officials.  

During their stay in Mizoram, the Commission will engage in various meetings and activities, including:

• Meetings with State Leaders: Meetings with the Chief Minister and state government officials at the Secretariat.
• Meeting with the Chief Minister: A meeting with the Chief Minister at the Chief Secretary Conference Room.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Meetings with political parties, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), local bodies, trade, and industry at Aijal Club, and with RLB/Village councils at Falkawn.
• Cultural Exchange: A cultural item and dinner at Aijal Club City Park.
• Press Conference: A press conference at Aijal Club.
• Site Visits: Visits to the Perennial Sinking area at Hunthar Veng, the Zoram Medical College & Hospital, and BNRGSK.

The 16th Finance Commission's visit to Mizoram presents a significant opportunity for the state to present its case for fiscal devolution and discuss its development priorities with the Commission.