Members of the 16th Finance Commission, led by Chairman Arvind Panagriya, arrived in Nagaland on Monday for a three-day visit aimed at assessing the state’s financial needs, according to an official source. The team, which includes members Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, and Manoj Panda, was received at Dimapur Airport by Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Chief Secretary J Alam.
During their visit, the Finance Commission delegation will engage in closed-door discussions with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, ministers, and senior government officials in Kohima on Tuesday. According to a PTI report, the state government is expected to present its financial requirements for the next five years, amounting to approximately Rs 1 trillion, in addition to funds received through Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). An official stated that the presentation will seek grants-in-aid across various critical sectors.
Key areas of focus include “revenue deficit grants, funds for local governments to empower rural and urban bodies, sector-specific grants for education and health, and state-specific grants for particular projects,” according to the official. Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner of Nagaland is set to deliver a power-point presentation on these demands.
The Finance Commission team is also scheduled to meet with representatives from the state’s trade, industry, and commerce sectors, as well as with rural and urban local bodies and political parties, to understand their perspectives and financial challenges.
As part of their visit, the delegation will travel to Kapamodzu Peak in Phek district to meet local women entrepreneurs engaged in empowerment-focused experiential tourism projects.
The Sixteenth Finance Commission, constituted on December 31, 2023, is tasked with making its recommendations by October 31, 2025, for a five-year award period starting April 1, 2026. After their engagements in Nagaland, the team will depart for Manipur on November 7.
