The Hindu Business Line : Kelkar to head 13th Finance Commission

New Delhi, Nov 14 The former Finance Secretary and Advisor to the Finance Minister, Dr Vijay Kelkar has been appointed as the Chairman of the 13th Finance Commission.

An official statement issued here on Wednesday states that the Commission would review the state of finances of the Union and the States keeping in view the operation of the States’ Debt Consolidation and Relief Facility 2005-2010 and suggest measures for maintaining a stable and sustainable fiscal environment consistent with equitable growth. Besides, it would also review the present arrangements with regard to financing of disaster management.

As in the case of the previous Finance Commissions, the 13th Finance Commission would also take into consideration various aspects while making its recommendations. These relate to assessment of the resources of the Centre and the State for the five year period, taxation efforts and the potential of additional revenue mobilisation among others.

The Finance Commission would also take into consideration the likely impact of the Goods and Services Act (GST) which is being implemented from April, 2010, including its impact on foreign trade.

Panel Members

While the Member Planning Commission, Mr B.K Chaturvedi, would be part-time Member, Dr. Indira Rajaraman, Emeritus Professor, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Chief Economist, NCAER, Prof. Atul Sarma, Former Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University,, will be full-time Members. The Commission’s recommendations would cover a five year till the end of March 2015 and it is expected to make its report available by the end of October 2009.