U.P. Seeks Over Rs 5 Lakh Crore From 16th Finance Commission

Uttar Pradesh has demanded over Rs 5 lakh crore from the 16th Finance Commission for all sectors, apart from an increase in the state's share in the divisible pool of the Centre's tax revenue.

- Gaurav Saigal

LUCKNOW:

Out of the total of Rs 5,19,232 crore demanded by Uttar Pradesh, the major share is for panchayati raj institutions (Rs 2,10,100 crore) and urban development (Rs 1,29,400 crore) followed by the energy sector (Rs 78,921 crore) and health (Rs 26,344 crore).

It is the first time U.P. has put up demands before the finance commission department-wise, following the example of other states.

A majority of the 28 states, including Uttar Pradesh, had demanded that the 16th Finance Commission should recommend an increase in the states' share in the divisible pool (of the Centre's tax revenue) from 41% to 50%, the commission's chairman Arvind Panagariya had said during a visit to Uttar Pradesh on June 4 and 5.