States flag financial priorities with FM Sitharaman in pre-budget meet, lists major issues

CMs and External Affairs Ministers of states met Union External Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in pre-budget meeting

Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers and Finance Ministers of various states on Saturday described the pre-budget consultation meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as a constructive platform to present the financial needs and development priorities of their states ahead of the Union Budget.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that his government had raised state-specific issues during the meeting and sought continuation of the Central Sector Schemes that have been implemented for the last five years. “These plans are important for the development of Goa and should be expanded further,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said suggestions have been received from all states and UP has submitted suggestions aimed at moving towards becoming “Uttam Pradesh”. “Every state has expressed the desire to strengthen its fiscal position and accelerate growth,” Khanna said.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said his state highlighted the challenges faced by states and sought more funds for key sectors such as education, health and irrigation. “These sectors are vital for long-term development and public welfare,” Vikramarka said.

West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said all the ministers spoke on behalf of their states and conveyed their concerns to the Centre. “West Bengal has demanded that it should not be treated unfairly and sought the release of around 1.97 lakh crore rupees in pending dues, detailing the sectors to which these dues belong,” he said.

Jharkhand Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishor said Jharkhand has expressed concerns over fiscal constraints and delays in receiving central funds. “Under a central plan, the state has to bear most of the cost despite limited resources,” he noted. He also alleged that central institutions were often misused in states where the ruling party at the Center was not in power.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said Punjab has suffered heavy economic losses this year due to border tensions and floods. Stating that the aid package worth 16 billion rupees was previously announced but has not yet been received, the official said that the issue was brought up again during the meeting.