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Bengal suggests alternative devolution formula to Finance Commission (Lead)

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Kolkata, July 18 (IANS) The West Bengal government on Wednesday said it has suggested an alternative formula to the 15th Finance Commission for devolution based on locational complexities, social backwardness, continuation of revenue deficit grants and others.

The panel, headed by its Chairman N.K. Singh, was on a three-day visit to the state.

“In their detailed presentations on state finances, officials emphasised on enhancing the devolution to the states, including a criteria of ‘Social Backwardness’ and Locational Complexities like hilly terrain, international border wetlands and population density, continuation of Revenue Deficit grants and state specific fiscal targets, among others,” a state govenrment statement said.

It said the state suggested an alternative formula for devolution based on Locational Complexities and Social Backwardness, while demanding a revenue deficit grant of Rs 90,136 crore for 2020-25 and grant for infrastructure gap funding of Rs 1,46,692 for 2020-25, it said.

The Commission, which recognised the progress of the state, brought op some concerns like low capital expenditure as a percentage of total expenditure during the detailed deliberation, but “was assured by the state government that there has been a substantial enhancement in capital expenditure”, the statement said.

State Finance Minister Amit Mitra based on his deliberations with CSSO, apprised the Commission that discrepancies related to the macro-economic parameters are expected to be reconciled by August 2018.

The panel chief also said the commission “will explore all possible ways” to restructure West Bengal’s debt as demanded by the state.

The Commission will finalise its recommendations by October 2019 after completing its discussions with all the state governments, the central government and relevant stakeholders.

N.K.Singh and other members of the Commission on Wednesday visited IT Sector of New Town and Eco Park at Rajarhat area, both on the city’s north east fringes.

Finance Commission members then toured Khemia Khamarpara Gram Panchayat at Barasat sub division of North 24 Pargana district, and held discussions on the financial and developmental activities with with members of the rural body.

They also went to the Madhayaymgram Municipality of North 24 Parganas district.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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