Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik onWednesday demanded financial autonomy for Odisha after which, he said, that the state would not need special category status or central grants.
Financial autonomy would help the state develop and prosper with its own funds. Legendary Odisha leader Biju Patnaik had made a plea for fiscal autonomy for the state in the early 90s, the Chief Minister said.
“Give us financial autonomy, we will no more need special category status or central grant for the state. We will be able to develop and prosper with our own funds,” Naveen Patnaik said while addressing the 21st foundation day of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
He, however, did not elaborate on the issue.
Odisha had demanded about Rs 4.59 lakh crore from the 14th Finance Commission. The commission has granted 1.84 lakh crore towards the share in central taxes and duties for 2015-20.
The Chief Minister also accused the Centre of neglecting the state “in all spheres”.
Recalling legendary Biju Patnaik’s plea for fiscal autonomy for the state, the BJD president said that Biju Babu had rightly said that he would transform Odisha into the most advanced state in south Asia with financial autonomy.
