Nitish Kumar unhappy with 14th Finance Commission recommendations

Patna, Feb 25 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Wednesday expressed dissatisfaction over the 14th Finance Commission's recommendations accepted by the Narendra Modi government with reference to states, particularly Bihar.

He also made it clear that demand for a special status for Bihar is very much relevent, unlike the central government's stand that it was not required.

"The recommendations accepted by Modi led government were a big loss for Bihar,it would not help the state to continue with its development works," Nitish Kumar said at a press conference here after presiding over his first cabinet meet since becoming chief minister Sunday.

Nitish Kumar said it was a matter of worry for the poor and backward states like Bihar that would not get benefit from recommendations of the finance commission.

"It would only benefit developed states,not underdeveloped states lilke Bihar," he said.

Nitish Kumar also said that he would write to Prime Minister Modi in a day or two to draw his attention.

The chief minister termed the much talked about recommendations of the Commission for a record increase of 10 percent in the states' share of the divisible pool of central taxes, despite negative implications for the fiscal deficit, as nothing but "an eyewash".

He said Bihar's demand for a special category status remains as it was earlier."We will continue to fight for it till granted by the central government for development of Bihar."