Arvind Panagariya on Freebies: Economist and sixteenth Finance Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya said on Thursday (January 9, 2025) that folks should determine whether or not they want free things or they want better roads, good drainage system and better water provide amenities. He made this assertion after a gathering between the Commission’s delegation and high ministers and officers of Goa.
To a query on funds allotted for state infrastructure being allegedly used to distribute freebies, Panagariya said if the cash is given for initiatives, it’s used for these functions solely. Should go. However, in a democracy, the elected authorities takes the ultimate determination.
He said, “The decision is not taken by the Finance Commission. The Finance Commission can take up this issue in the interest of macro-economic stability. The Commission can say something at a general level but it cannot control how the state spends the money.”
Citizens ought to determine what they want: Arvind Panagariya
Panagariya said that the duty finally rests on the residents, as a result of they elect the governments. He said, “If citizens vote for a government based on free facilities, they will ask for free things. Ultimately, citizens should decide what they want. Do they want better facilities, better roads, better drainage facilities, Want better water or freebies, including money transferred to your bank accounts.”
During the assembly with the fee members, Goa officers demanded a four-fold improve within the coastal state’s share below the share in central taxes. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and lots of ministers attended the assembly.
Panagariya said that the Goa authorities has requested the Commission to extend its stake from 0.38 p.c to 1.76 p.c. This is virtually 4 instances Goa’s (present) share. The Finance Commission Chairman said that Goa has additionally sought Rs 32,706 crore to finance 13 particular initiatives in a number of sectors.
He said that Goa prompt that the Centre’s share to the states needs to be elevated from 41 p.c to 50 p.c. Panagariya said, “This is a common suggestion that has been coming from the states. Goa is the 15th state that we are visiting. 14 out of 15 states have said that the share should be increased to 50 percent. One state suggested That it should be 45 percent.”
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