During a high-level Northeast meeting in Guwahati, the Mizoram demands finance commission call took center stage. Representing the state, Mizoram Finance Minister Lalsawta urged the central government to set up a separate finance commission dedicated to the unique needs of the Northeastern region.
He stated that the current financial distribution mechanism fails to reflect the geographical, infrastructural, and disaster-related challenges faced by hill states like Mizoram. The demand came during a joint policy discussion attended by finance ministers from all eight Northeastern states.
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Key Demands Raised by Mizoram
In his speech, Lalsawta emphasized that Mizoram faces recurring natural disasters like landslides and floods, which require long-term fiscal planning. He argued that one-size-fits-all finance models do not serve states with difficult terrains and fragile ecosystems.
Mizoram’s core demands included:
- Establishing a regional finance commission to determine fair allocation
- Increasing the disaster relief fund for climate-vulnerable states
- Providing gap funding for infrastructure in remote villages
- Recognizing transport and supply difficulties in central aid distribution
- Allowing flexible spending norms for state-specific priorities
The Mizoram demands finance commission push reflects wider concerns among NE states about structural imbalances in fund allocation.
Northeast States Voice Support for Special Provisions
Other Northeastern states expressed solidarity with Mizoram’s proposal. Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog and Nagaland Finance Minister Kudecho Khamo both acknowledged the need for location-sensitive funding frameworks.
Sikkim also joined the discussion, pointing out that mountain states require more per capita funding to maintain roads, schools, and hospitals. Meghalaya emphasized the financial burden of disaster preparedness in high-rainfall areas.
The forum decided to forward a joint memorandum to the Union Finance Ministry, asking for institutional reforms in the allocation process.
Why a Special Finance Commission Matters
Experts agree that the Mizoram demands finance commission proposal is timely. Northeast India accounts for a large portion of India’s forest cover, river basins, and bio-diversity zones. Yet, these states often receive limited budgetary flexibility.
Many also argue that lump-sum central schemes do not address local realities. Flood-prone zones in Mizoram, for example, need emergency funds faster than other regions. A dedicated finance commission could ensure these differences are officially recognized.
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