New Delhi, DeshGujarat: Speaking at Inter-state council meeting in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said states are now getting more money due to implementation of 14th finance commission. States will get further more money through CAMPA(Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) fund release. States can also get huge amount by preventing misuse of kerosene subsidy.

Addressing the Chief Minister at Rashtrapati Bhavan where Inter-state council meeting is being held for the first time, Prime Minister said, as per the recommendation of 14th finance commission that the centre has accepted, states are now getting 42% contribution of central taxes instead of earlier 32% share. States have more money now, he said adding that in 2015-16 there was 21% increase in such amount compared to previous year 2014-15. In total period of 14th finance commission states will be getting Rs 2,78,000 crore which is far greater than previous period, he said.

Shri Modi said states are now getting more share from income generated from natural resources. States having coal mining facilities are to get Rs 3,35,000 crore while in case of other minerals the amount will be Rs 18,000 crore.

He said Rs 40,000 crore money under CAMPA which has been kept in banks will be distributed among states. He pointed out that bill in this regard couldn’t be passed in Rajya Sabha on earlier occasion, but once it is passed, the states will get Rs 40,000 crore amount.

Prime Minister said transparency in system is benefiting the government financially. With scientific approach in place, systems can be strengthen and more kerosene can be saved. If states come forward, strengthen their system, show reduction in use of kerosene, the centre will give 75% of amount saved on subsidy to those states. PM congratulated Karnataka government for initiation and speed it has showed in this regard.

Modi pointed out that electricity is reaching villages and in next 3 years about 5 crore people are going to get new gas connections. Due to increased LPG supply, the usage of kerosene will come down. States don’t need to decrease kerosene quota but should see that only deserving get the benefit of subsidy. Good if states can reduce 25% of total usage. Rs 16,00 crore can be distributed among states if they ensure that only those deserving get benefit of kerosene subsidy through scientific approach.

The Prime Minister said Aadhar facility is now available to 102 crore of total 128 crore people of India. It covers 79% population of India. If we speak about adults, 96% citizens now have Aadhar card. By end of this year every citizen of this country will be connected to Aadhar.

DeshGujarat