16th Finance Commission Holds Sectoral Meetings with Political Leaders, Industry Bodies, and Local Representatives in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The 16th Finance Commission held extensive sectoral meetings in Odisha, engaging with political leaders, trade and industry bodies, and representatives from urban and rural local bodies to gather insights on the state’s financial needs and economic priorities.

Leaders from major political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Indian National Congress (INC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), participated in discussions, presenting their perspectives on fiscal policies, state revenue distribution, and the financial support required to drive Odisha’s development.

In a bid to understand the concerns and expectations of the business community, the Commission also interacted with trade and industry representatives from organizations such as the Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Limited (UCCIL), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Odisha Industries Association, Odisha Assembly of Small & Medium Enterprises, Keisha Small Scale Industries Association, Odisha Byabasai Mahasangha, Odisha Young Entrepreneurs Association, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Odisha Investors Forum (OIF), All India Exporters & Business Association (AIEBA), Sea Food Exporters Association, and Utkal Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association (UPMA).

Representatives from urban and rural local bodies, including Mayors, Chairpersons, Sarpanches, and Zilla Parishad Presidents, also participated in the discussions, highlighting the fiscal challenges faced at the grassroots level and seeking greater financial allocations for infrastructure, sanitation, and local governance.

The meetings were attended by Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Finance Saswat Mishra, Principal Secretary, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water S.N. Girish, and Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, among other senior officials.

These interactions form a crucial part of the 16th Finance Commission’s ongoing assessment, as it prepares recommendations for fiscal allocations and resource distribution for the period 2026-31. The discussions provided a platform for stakeholders across political, industrial, and governance sectors to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping Odisha’s financial future.