479/2024-2025

Aizawl, the 23rd February, 2025: The 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya along with other members, which is on a four-day visit to Mizoram from 23rd to 26th February, 2025 over fund allocation to the State, paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Mizoram Gen (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd) at the Raj Bhavan, Aizawl, this evening.

In this courtesy meeting, the Governor expressed his deep gratitude to the Chairman and all the members of the 16th Finance Commission for visiting Mizoram to assess the state's financial situation. He emphasized the importance of Mizoram's needs and various current challenges, urging the commission to acknowledge the state's financial limitations due to its low revenue collection when making recommendations to the central government.

The Governor also highlighted the difficulties Mizoram faces in infrastructure development due to its hilly terrain compared to other regions. Further, he also mentioned the impact of conflicts in neighboring countries, which have led to an influx of refugees and added strain on the state. Addressing the growing concern of drug trafficking through Mizoram, the Governor  stressed the need for substantial efforts to address this pressing issues and enhance law and order situation to combat it more effectively. He also underscored the need for upliftment of lone airport in the state and creation of more employment opportunities for the youth.

The 16th Finance Commission arrived in Mizoram today and visited the Hunthar Veng landslide-affected area. During this official visit, the finance commission will hold a series of meetings with the Chief Minister, Government officials, Political parties, Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), Local Bodies, Trade and Industry representatives and Village Councils to hear their opinions and views on certain issues pertaining to the state as part of preparing its recommendations to the government of India.

They will also hold press conference, inspect key locations such as Zoram Medical College & Hospital in Falkawn, as well as Thenzawl and Serchhip, where they will visit the Handloom Centre and other important sites. Based on their assessment, they will submit recommendations to the central government.

The 16th Finance Commission delegation is led by Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya, along with members Mr. Ajay Narayan Jha, Ms. Annie George Mathew and Dr. Manoj Panda. Other key officials are also accompanying them.

The 16th Finance Commission was constituted under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution on December 31, 2023. It is responsible for reviewing and recommending the revenue-sharing model between the central and state governments for a five-year period starting from April 1, 2026. The commission consists of a 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.