Northeast CMs Seek Greater Central Support in Meet With Finance Commission

Chief Ministers from seven Northeastern states came together in New Delhi on Monday for a crucial meeting with the 16th Finance Commission, where they jointly appealed for better financial support from the central government. A common memorandum was submitted, listing shared concerns and demands aimed at addressing the region’s long-standing developmental challenges.

Among those who took part was Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who made a strong case for his state’s needs. In his presentation, Lalduhoma highlighted how states like Mizoram depend heavily on the funds they receive from the Centre. He said the current share given to smaller states is not enough and must be increased to meet basic development goals.

One of the key issues he raised was how states with smaller populations, like Mizoram, often lose out when funds are distributed mainly based on population size. This method, he argued, does not reflect the real needs of hill states, where development is tougher and costlier. He urged the Commission to look beyond population numbers and take into account the actual difficulties faced by such regions.

Lalduhoma also pointed out the many natural disasters that regularly affect Mizoram—landslides, heavy rains, cloudbursts, and forest fires—which often damage infrastructure and put lives at risk. He called for the Finance Commission to recognise these risks and offer special support to help the state prepare for and respond to such events.

Transport was another major concern. The Chief Minister explained how Mizoram’s difficult terrain and poor connectivity make moving goods and people much more expensive than in other parts of the country. He asked for extra financial help to ease this burden and support development in remote areas.

In addition, Lalduhoma spoke about the need to strengthen local governance. He said the state’s Autonomous District Councils and village-level institutions must receive more funds to ensure that development reaches every corner, especially rural and tribal regions.

Other key leaders present at the meeting included Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Tripura Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, along with senior officials from across the region. Together, the Northeastern states made a united appeal to the Finance Commission, urging it to understand the region’s special needs and recommend fairer financial treatment.

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