The state government will press for a higher share in central taxes during the upcoming four-day visit of the 15th Finance Commission starting on Sunday. Gujarat is the sixth state the Commission will visit.
Gujarat's share of central taxes was 3.04% under the 13th Finance Commission, and it was increased marginally to 3.08% under the 14th Finance Commission. A senior official said that the state government will make presentations before the 15th Commission to increase the state's share in the central taxes kitty to "at least 4%".
"Our demand for higher share is because of three reasons. One, Gujarat is ahead of other states in implementation of developmental projects. Second, the state's revenue has been impacted because of Goods and Services Tax, and third, the state is prone to natural calamities," the official said, requesting anonymity.
Incidentally, the Commission also said in an official release that Gujarat has witnessed moderate growth in GST collections in the first year of its implementation, and that it will try to understand the efforts undertaken to improve tax collection.
The 15th Finance Commission is slated to visit the state from July 22 to 25. The Commission, led by chairman NK Singh, members Shaktikanta Das, Anoop Das, Ashok Lahiri & Ramesh Chand, secretary Arvind Mehta, and other officials will have meetings with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, ministers and other officials. Detailed presentations about the state's finances will be made before the Commission.
Apart from the meetings and presentations, the government will showcase its flagship programmes before the Commission. The Commission is slated to visit Sardar Sarovar Dam, Statue of Unity, and GIFT City on July 24.
The next day, visits to Aji I reservoir, SAUNI Yojna Phase 2,and Integrated Command & Control Centre under Smart City Project are on th cards.
The Commission will also meet leaders of political parties, representatives of trade and industry, and also hold a session with urban local bodies and panchayati raj institutions to understand status of devolution and outstanding issues related to State Finance Commission.
An official release said that the Commission expects to gain in-depth understanding of recent developments and future possibilities of economic growth and development during its visit.
ON THE CARDS
The commission is slated to visit the state from July 22 to 25. The Commission, led by chairman NK Singh, members Shaktikanta Das, Anoop Das, Ashok Lahiri & Ramesh Chand, secretary Arvind Mehta will meet with CM.
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