The Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC) Chairman Shri N. K. Singh and Members Shri A.N. Jha, Dr. Ashok Lahiri, and Member Secretary Shri Arvind Mehta alongwith other officials of the Finance Commission reached Aizawl today for a one day visit to Mizoram. They arrived at Lengpui Airport by a special flight from New Delhi this afternoon.

The Fifteenth Finance Commission had a meeting with the Chief Secretary Pu Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and Commissioners and Secretaries of different Departments later in the afternoon at the Conference Hall of Mizoram New Capital Complex. At the meeting, officials of the Finance Department gave a presentation on the state's economy and financial condition of the state government. Officials apprised the Commission Members on various aspects of the financial resources of the state, its capital and revenue expenditure, its debts and  liabilities as well as fiscal measures and reforms were highlighted. Presentations on Urban and Rural Local Bodies and their fiscal requirements were also made to the Commission by Secretaries of the Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation and Local Administration Departments.

The government has submitted a total demand of Rs. 94,647.33 crores to the Fifteenth Finance Commission. Out of this Rs. 57,737.38 crores is for Pre Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant; Rs. 17,357.90 crores is for Capital Expenditure; Rs. 5779.00 crores is for maintenance requirement for State Assets; Rs.1283.70 crores for Implementation of 7th CPC in Mizoram; Rs. 1000 crores for State Disaster Relief Fund and State Disaster Mitigation Fund; Rs. 2292.39 crores for Local Bodies such as Village Councils, Urban Local Bodies, 3 Autonomous District Councils and Sinlung Hills Council; Rs. 1450.00 crores for Forest Maintenance and Rs. 7746.96 crores for State Specific Needs.

Making the concluding remarks, Shri N.K. Singh pointed that connectivity, improving access, tourism, strengthening social infrastructure and urbanization amongst other are key areas for focus. He futher said that the Commission has taken serious note of all suggestions made and that it will give serious note while making recommendations and thanked everyone for a meaningful engagement on the economy of Mizoram.

Chief Secretary Shri Lalnunmawia Chuaungo expressed hope that the Commission would give a sympathetic hearing to the demands of the government and said that with the Finance Commission’s award, Mizoram will be able to make perceptible changes in developmental scenario, given its backlog of development in view of the twenty years lost due to turbulent times when development came to a complete halt.