Trade and commerce representatives
Ranchi: The team of the 14th Finance Commission led by its chairman Dr YV Reddy met representatives of various political parties, commerce and trade bodies, corporate houses and local administrative bodies and sought their suggestions for the development of the state and strengthening of its economy.
The commerce and trade organizations of the state generally stressed on building basic infrastructure in the state in order to develop the economy. Political party leaders, too, stressed on infrastructure development among many other suggestions for the overall economic and social development of the state.
Representing Bharatiya Janata Party, Deepak Prakash said, “We have made several suggestions on how to improve the standard of living of the people of Jharkhand. We have requested the Commission to keep in mind the geographical, economic and social circumstances of the state while making vital policy decisions so that the welfare and development of the state and its people could be ensured.”
Radhakrishna Kishore of the Congress party said the Commission had been apprised of the socio-economic conditions of the state and its people. “We have informed the Commission about the ground realities which include the fact that 50 per cent of the rural population is living Below Poverty Line. Only five per cent of the people have access to road, electricity and water. Also, a major part of the state is affected by extremism. We have also demanded setting up of a sports university in the state,” he said.
Supriyo Bhattacharya of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha said the party had made no demand other than the one for providing the rightful to the state and its people.
Rajiv Ranjan of Jharkhand Vikas Morcha said the demand for according a special state status to Jharkhand had been raised by the party. He said the Commission had been requested to pay special attention to sectors like agriculture, education and health through adequate funding.
Suresh Prasad Singh of All Jharkhand Students Union said the party had iterated its demand for giving a special state status to Jharkhand. Jharkhand government has demanded a special package of Rs 1.42 lakh crore for Jharkhand from the Finance Commission for the purpose of developing basic infrastructure in the state.