Summary:
“It is not for the first time that an FC will use Census 2011 data. “Since Naveen has been claiming to be performing well in all spheres, he should be happy. BHUBANESWAR: Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan here on Sunday said the concerns flagged up by chief minister Naveen Patnaik over Fifteenth Finance Commission’s (FFC) terms of reference (ToR) are unfounded.Addressing a news conference at BJP state headquarters, Dharmendra said Naveen’s apprehension that use of 2011 Census data as base for devolution of funds, instead of Census 1971, will reduce fund flow is not true. Since Odisha has lowered its population growth, it stands to gain, he said.On Friday, Naveen wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi objecting to shift from 1971 to 2011 Census data, pushing for Centre’s agenda and curtailing the commission’s freedom. The 14th FC also gave 10% weightage to Census 2011 data but shares of states in central taxes went up from 32% to 42%,” Dharmendra said.Moreover, the FFC has provisions to reward states which have done well in population control measures..