Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has presented uttarakhand case before 16th Finance Commission delegation led by its Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya here in Secretariat on Monday. During the meeting, the Chief Minister outlined the state’s financial condition, key developmental challenges, and urgent needs for increased fiscal support in view of its geographical and ecological responsibilities.
Welcoming the Finance Commission delegation to Uttarakhand in its silver jubilee year, CM Dhami highlighted the state’s steady progress in the last 25 years since its formation. He stressed that although the state has made significant achievements in infrastructure, financial management, and sustainable development, it continues to face locational disadvantages and high maintenance costs due to its mountainous terrain.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami along with 16th finance Commission team in secretariat
CM Dhami strongly advocated for compensation under “Environmental Federalism”, citing the eco-service cost borne by Uttarakhand for conserving forests and sustaining vital natural resources. He proposed that the weightage for forest cover in the tax transfer formula be increased from the existing rate to 20%, and also called for special grants for forest conservation.
Highlighting developmental indicators, he mentioned that the per capita income of Uttarakhand has grown by 11.33%, above the national average, and that the unemployment rate has dropped significantly by 4.4%. In the 2023-24 SDG Index Report by NITI Aayog, Uttarakhand ranked among the leading states in meeting Sustainable Development Goals.
However, CM Dhami noted the challenges of attracting private investment in sectors like health and education in hilly regions. He emphasized the state’s efforts to bridge these gaps through smart classrooms, telemedicine, special ambulance services, and remote education. He also highlighted innovative initiatives like SARA (for water source revival) and the Bhagirath App (for public participation in water conservation), seeking special funding support for such programs.
Dr. Arvind Panagariya commended Uttarakhand’s development and assured that the Commission will carefully consider the state’s unique issues. He reiterated the Commission’s goal of submitting its final recommendations to the Central Government by October 31, 2025.
The meeting was also attended by senior officials including Finance Secretary Dilip Jawalkar, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, and Principal Secretaries.
