Team of 16th finance panel arrives in Punjab

Chandigarh, July 21

The state government has pinned high hopes on the 16th Finance Commission that began its visit to the state from today.

The cash-strapped state is looking for additional grants and a special package to rebuild its old infrastructure. The 15th Finance Commission had given Punjab a Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant of Rs 25,968 crore.

The six-member team of the 16th Finance Commission, led by its Chairman Arvind Panagariya, reached Chandigarh this evening. The team is accompanied by other officials of the commission.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said, “The state has high hopes from the commission and I am certain that they will surpass those.”

It is learnt that the commission will hold meetings with state government functionaries tomorrow, before meeting representatives of urban and rural local bodies. The team will also hold meetings with leaders of Opposition parties tomorrow. On Tuesday, the team will visit Amritsar and meet representatives of trade and industry.