Panel against ad hoc packages to states

The Planning Commission is not in favour of granting ad hoc financial packages to states and said it should be based on a formula to improve their fiscal health. “I shall oppose ad hoc packages to states. It should be based on a formula as presented by the Finance Commission,” Plan Panel member Abijit Sen said at a post-budget meeting in Assocam. The Budget has made special provisions for Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir and North-Eastern states. The demands for special packages have grown with more states seeking additional funds from the Centre. —Ens