*Commission should introduce a new parameter for devolution of funds suggests CM*

*A new criterion should be introduced to account for the percentage of each state's area that falls within the NCR, suggests CM*

Chandigarh April 28 — During the meeting of the 16th Finance Commission held here today, the Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the strategic significance of the National Capital Region (NCR) as not just the heartbeat of 142 crore Indians, but also as a global reflection of India's journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

In the meeting detailed discussions were held regarding financial matters like tax devolution, resource allocation, and state-specific grants. Notably, Commission Chairman, Dr. Arvind Panagariya praised Haryana for boasting the second-highest per capita income among major states despite being a small state.

The Chief Minister said that most Finance Commissions have recommended grants to states based on various criteria. However, he believes that some states go beyond Centrally Sponsored Schemes, covering more beneficiaries or providing greater assistance to the poor from their own funds. Therefore, the 16th Finance Commission may recommend special State-Specific Grants for such states, he suggested.

The Chief Minister further shared that under Chirayu, an additional 32 lakh families having annual income of up to Rs. 1.80 lakh are now receiving health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per year. Similarly, under the Ujjwala Yojana, 13 lakh families received free gas connections.

*The Commission may recommend a State-Specific Grant for states ensuring MSP-based procurement-CM*

The Chief Minister said that Haryana has ensured the procurement of all 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). This has provided the state farmers with economic security and stability. He suggested that the Commission may also consider recommending a State-Specific Grant for states ensuring such MSP-based procurement.

The Members of the 16th Finance Commission, Smt. Annie George, Sh. Ajay Narayan Jha, Dr. Manoj Panda and Dr Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Information Public Relations Languages and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Director General, Information Public Relations Languages and Culture Department, Sh. K. M Pandurang, Director General, Urban Local Bodies, Sh. Pankaj and all the Administrative Secretaries remained present in the meeting.