Chandigarh, Sept 23: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann convened a high-level meeting with the newly constituted Seventh Punjab Finance Commission, advocating for a robust, transparent, and equitable framework to empower urban and rural local bodies across the state. Addressing the panel, the Chief Minister affirmed that empowering Panchayati Raj institutions and Municipalities with sustainable resources remains essential for effective grassroots governance and seamless service delivery.
Former Additional Chief Secretary K. Siva Prasad heads the newly formed commission under Section 3(1) of the Punjab Finance Commission for Panchayats and Municipalities Act, 1994. The panel includes Expert Member Shoikat Roy, alongside ex-officio members from the Rural Development, Local Government, and Finance departments. Extending full administrative backing, Chief Minister Mann noted that the constitutional body carries the vital responsibility of evaluating state tax distribution, duties, and tolls to ensure panchayats and civic administrative units function efficiently.
The commission has been tasked with assessing revenue potential, streamlining expenditure responsibilities, and introducing measures to curb unproductive spending. In addition to recommending equitable financial allocation, the panel will work toward elevating administrative and technical capabilities to ensure optimal utilization of public capital. The Seventh Punjab Finance Commission is scheduled to submit its comprehensive report by September 30, 2027, outlining recommendations for a five-year period effective from April 1, 2026.
