Andhra Pradesh Leaders Advocate for Financial Support in Crucial Meeting with Finance Commission

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav held a significant meeting with 16th Finance Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya in Delhi. The discussions, though undisclosed, are pivotal as the state aims to secure substantial financial aid to bolster its rapid development agenda.

Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, alongside Finance Minister Payyavula Keshav, engaged in a pivotal meeting with Arvind Panagariya, the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, in Delhi this Saturday. Although the agenda remains undisclosed, these discussions are deemed crucial, particularly as Andhra Pradesh is on a strategic quest for financial aid and investment to expedite its development initiatives.

The 16th Finance Commission, under Panagariya's leadership, plays a significant role in advising on the allocation of financial resources between India's central and state governments covering the 2026-31 period. The commission's guidance is instrumental in determining the distribution of tax revenues across the Union and States, setting the framework for financial grants-in-aid from the central government to states, and proposing ways to enhance fiscal resources for Panchayats and Municipalities.

In addition, the commission is tasked with reviewing current disaster management financing arrangements and suggesting improvements. Public and interested parties are already being consulted for their input on financial distribution strategies between government levels. Prior to his current role, Arvind Panagariya served as an esteemed economics professor at Columbia University, holding influential positions including the first Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and Chief Economist at the Asian Development Bank.

Naidu's dialogue with the Finance Commission Chairman illustrates the state government's proactive efforts in collaborating with central authorities to obtain necessary financial backing. With a focus on rapid infrastructure and economic expansion, Andhra Pradesh is fervently seeking a larger share of resources to achieve its ambitious growth objectives. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)