Jharkhand CM reviews State’s plans ahead of 16th Finance Commission visit

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

RANCHI, May 28: Chief Minister Hemant Soren, joined by Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, chaired a high-level review meeting on Tuesday to assess the state’s preparations for the upcoming visit of the 16th Finance Commission team to Jharkhand. The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s official residence on Kanke Road, Ranchi.

In-Depth Deliberations on Key Recommendations

Senior officials briefed the Chief Minister on the detailed preparations and strategy for presenting the state’s financial roadmap and development agenda to the Commission. A core focus of the discussions was the formulation of key recommendations that Jharkhand will put forth — with a view to secure greater support for holistic development.

Chief Minister Soren issued several important directives, urging the team to highlight sectors needing urgent attention and ensure that proposals reflect the aspirations of people across all communities and regions.

Finance Commission to Meet State Leadership, Visit Key Sites

The 11-member delegation, led by Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya, will be on a four-day tour from 28 to May 31. On May 29, the team will visit Deoghar, where they are scheduled to offer prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Dham temple and interact with representatives of local urban and rural bodies.

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A major meeting is slated for May 30 in Ranchi, where the Commission will hold detailed discussions with ministers, senior bureaucrats, representatives from trade and industry, and local government bodies. In the evening, they will also engage with political party representatives to understand diverse perspectives on the state’s financial and development landscape.

Government to Present Sector-Wise Achievements and Demands

Officials informed the Chief Minister that a comprehensive presentation will be made before the Commission, highlighting achievements and future plans in areas such as irrigation, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and tourism. A memorandum outlining the state’s financial needs and policy priorities will also be submitted.

The state government aims to impress upon the Commission the urgency of increased central support to boost urban-rural parity, infrastructure expansion, and social welfare. A detailed PowerPoint presentation is expected to showcase data-driven insights into Jharkhand’s development journey.

Soren Emphasises Inclusive Growth

“Our government is committed to accelerating progress across both urban and rural areas,” the Chief Minister said. “There are several sectors that require focused investment. Our recommendations to the Commission must ensure the all-round development of every section of society.”

High-Level Participation

Alongside the Chief Minister and Finance Minister, the meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, Special Secretary B. Rajeshwari, and other senior officials.

The Finance Commission team is scheduled to conclude its Jharkhand visit and return to Delhi on  May 31.