Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday exhorted States to work together with the Centre, stating that while the Centre sets the direction for economic growth, it is for the States to ensure effective implementation on the ground.
Goals cannot be achieved unless States and the Centre work together, the Minister said and sought cooperation of all States and Union Territories to achieve the aspirations of the people.
“No goals can be achieved if States and the Centre don’t work together in cohesion,” Sitharaman said in her opening remarks at the pre-Budget consultation meeting with State Finance Ministers.
Sitharaman said “unprecedented level of devolution of funds has taken place from the Centre to the States which has increased in recent times from ₹8,29,344 crore to ₹12,38,274 crore”.
The share of States in tax devolution has increased from 32 per cent under 13th Finance Commission to 42 per cent in 14th Finance Commission during the first term of the present government.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia demanded Delhi’s share of ₹6,000 crore from Central taxes and said the city has been getting only ₹325 crore for the last 18 years. Sisodia, who also holds finance portfolio, also demanded the creation of a separate fund for Delhi municipal corporations on the lines of other State civic bodies.