Odisha requests 15th Finance Commission to increase tax devolution to 50%

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday requested the Fifteenth Finance Commission to increase tax devolution from 42% to 50%.

Meeting the Fifteenth Finance Commission here, the Chief Minister said the 1971 population should be used as devolution criteria.

He also requested making cess and surcharges as part of divisible pool, extension of GST compensation for another 10 years and Clean Energy Cess to be spent in coal mining areas.

Informing that Odisha has been facing historic central neglect and frequent natural calamities, he said the government has been demanding Special Category Status for Odisha which will supplement its efforts in transforming the state.

“We have submitted a detailed memorandum to the Commission. I am hopeful that the Commission will incorporate all our suggestions and aid in the rapid progress of Odisha,” said the Chief Minister.

He also made special request for granting package for disaster management.

“At least Rs 1,500 crores should be made for our initiatives to built more cyclone shelters and improve our warning systems,” he added.