Blueprint for rapid and comprehensive development in Bastar was drawn
IG and Collector briefed the commission of the conditions, challenges, possibilities, and expectations of the Bastar division
Raipur (thestates.news) | Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Shri Arvind Panagariya, and Commission members met with Panchayat representatives to outline a blueprint for the rapid and comprehensive development of the Panchayats. The meeting, held in the Prerna Room of the Jagdalpur Collectorate, Bastar Division headquarters, saw the Panchayat representatives offer important suggestions for the development of Bastar.
Chairman Shri Panagariya noted that the tenure of the 16th Finance Commission will be effective from 2026-27 to 2030-31. “Keeping this period in mind, we have to prepare the upcoming action plan for development according to local needs,” he stated.
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. “The issues raised by the Panchayat representatives concerning public welfare will be addressed to the best of our ability,” he added.
Bastar District Panchayat President Smt. Vedvati Kashyap initiated the discussion by highlighting that under the 15th Finance Commission; allocations were issued based on 90 per cent population and 10 per cent area. She proposed that, given the dispersed nature of villages and hamlets in Bastar, future allocations under the 16th Finance Commission should consider 70 per cent population and 30 per cent area. “Bastar is rich in culture, with significant traditions like Devgudi, fairs, and madai. Provisions for these cultural aspects and sports areas should be included in the allocations,” she added.
