Chairman of 16th Finance Commission and members held discussions with Panchayat representatives

Blueprint for rapid and comprehensive development in Bastar was drawn

IG and Collector briefed the commission of the conditions, challenges, possibilities, and expectations of the Bastar division

Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Shri Arvind Panagariya, and Commission members met with Panchayat representatives to outline a blueprint for the rapid and comprehensive development of the Panchayats. The meeting, held in the Prerna Room of the Jagdalpur Collectorate, Bastar Division headquarters, saw the Panchayat representatives offer important suggestions for the development of Bastar.

Chairman Shri Panagariya noted that the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission will be effective from 2026-27 to 2030-31. “Keeping this period in mind, we have to prepare the upcoming action plan for development according to local needs,” he stated.

Expressing satisfaction with the suggestions from the Panchayat representatives, Shri Panagariya assured that all recommendations within the Finance Commission’s scope would be acted upon. “The issues raised by the Panchayat representatives concerning public welfare will be addressed to the best of our ability,” he added.

Bastar District Panchayat President Smt. Vedvati Kashyap initiated the discussion by highlighting that under the 15th Finance Commission; allocations were issued based on 90 per cent population and 10 per cent area. She proposed that, given the dispersed nature of villages and hamlets in Bastar, future allocations under the 16th Finance Commission should consider 70 per cent population and 30 per cent area. “Bastar is rich in culture, with significant traditions like Devgudi, fairs, and madai. Provisions for these cultural aspects and sports areas should be included in the allocations,” she added.

Bastar District Panchayat Vice President Shri Maniram Kashyap pointed out that Bastar is a Naxal-affected area where the PESA Act is also implemented. He called for additional allocations for Naxal and PESA districts, considering both population and area. “Most of Bastar’s population resides in forest areas, with minor forest produce being a primary source of income for the tribals. There should be additional allocations to promote minor forest produce as co-products through value addition,” he suggested.

Other Panchayat representatives suggested initiatives in the agriculture and irrigation sectors, considering Bastar district’s rocky and hilly terrain. They stressed eliminating the compulsion of drinking water and sanitation sector and called for the freedom to choose sectors from other nine themes. Additional recommendations included simplifying the online payment system, assisting farmers with collective fencing and tube well installations, providing immediate assistance during natural disasters, and allocating resources based on dependent villages for infrastructure development in Gram Panchayats.Raipur

The representatives also proposed preserving the tribal cultural centers, such as Devgudi, Matagudi, and memory pillars, and developing facilities at tourist sites. They advocated for the provision of necessary equipment and human resources to enhance public services through modern information technology.

Inspector General of Police Shri Sundarraj P. highlighted the loss of life due to leftist extremism and its adverse effects on the area’s development. He discussed strategies to address these issues and presented the Commission with a proposal for additional financial assistance to expedite work in education, health, and basic infrastructure, considering the region’s needs.

Collector Shri Vijay Dayaram K. provided an overview of Bastar’s geographical, economic, and social conditions, along with challenges related to left-wing extremism, technical, administrative, and economic factors. He spoke about the importance of the Finance Commission’s grants as an important income source for the Panchayats. He also detailed the important achievements in Bastar funded by previous Finance Commissions and stressed prioritizing human resources, information technology equipment, and special assistance for tribal welfare to ensure rapid development in Bastar.

Chairman praised the presentation and appreciated the arrangements

Chairman of the Central Finance Commission Dr. Arvind Panagariya, praised the PowerPoint presentation given by the district administration and police. He stated that the presentation was thoroughly prepared with a focus on local basic needs, providing a clear understanding of Bastar and the development steps taken. He also offered important suggestions regarding the collection of outcome data at the district level. Besides, he commended the excellent arrangements for the commission’s study tour, stating that the participation of the district administration, local Panchayat representatives, and villagers is important for Bastar’s development.

Tree plantation done in the Collectorate premises

On this occasion, the members present, including the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Shri Arvind Panagariya, planted saplings in the Collectorate premises under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.