Shri Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, and Commission members recently met with Panchayat representatives to discuss the development of the Panchayats. The meeting, held in the Prerna Room of the Jagdalpur Collectorate, Bastar Division headquarters, saw important suggestions being offered for the development of Bastar by the Panchayat representatives.
Chairman Shri Panagariya emphasized the need to prepare the upcoming action plan for development according to local needs, keeping in mind the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Expressing satisfaction with the suggestions from the Panchayat representatives, Shri Panagariya assured that all recommendations within the Finance Commission’s scope would be acted upon, particularly those concerning public welfare.
Bastar District Panchayat President Smt. Vedvati Kashyap proposed changes in the allocation criteria under the 16th Finance Commission, emphasizing the cultural richness and unique traditions of Bastar.
Bastar District Panchayat Vice President Shri Maniram Kashyap highlighted the challenges faced by Bastar as a Naxal-affected area and called for additional allocations, considering both population and area, particularly for forest-dwelling tribal populations.
The Vice President of Bastar District Panchayat emphasized the need for additional allocations for Naxal and PESA districts, considering the population and area, and suggested promoting minor forest produce as co-products through value addition.
Other Panchayat representatives proposed initiatives in agriculture and irrigation, eliminating the compulsion of drinking water and sanitation sector, simplifying the online payment system, and preserving tribal cultural centers while advocating for modern information technology to enhance public services.
The Inspector General of Police highlighted the adverse effects of leftist extremism on the area’s development and proposed additional financial assistance to expedite work in education, health, and basic infrastructure. The Collector provided an overview of Bastar’s geographical, economic, and social conditions, along with challenges related to left-wing extremism.