New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed allegations of discrimination in fund allocation to non-BJP states during the Lok Sabha’s Question Hour on Monday. Responding to queries raised by Leader of Opposition Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Sitharaman emphasized that political considerations do not influence fund distribution.
Sitharaman clarified that decisions on fund allocation are made by the Finance Commission, and she does not possess the discretion to intervene. She stated, “There is no way political interests would come in the way of states getting funds. It’s a charge that vested interests would like to go around. I don’t have the discretion; it’s the Finance Commission that takes the decision.”
Addressing allegations about states being deprived of funds, Sitharaman explained, “Rate fixation has got nothing to do with the Government of India. Rate fixation is done by the Finance Commission. The Finance Commission goes to the state governments, talks to them and then submits the report. I don’t have the right to change as per my whims and fancies.”
The Finance Minister urged states to present their needs and status when the Finance Commission visits. She emphasized the constitutional limitations on her role, stating, “Unless the Finance Commission tells me to do something, I cannot. I don’t have the discretion to play around with Finance Commission’s recommendations.” Sitharaman concluded that the perception of discrimination against certain states is a politically motivated narrative, asserting, “There’s just no possibility that any Finance Minister can intervene to say that I don’t like this state, stop the payment, no way!”
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