Puri: The Sixteenth Finance Commission led by Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya today visited the holy city of Puri to offer prayers to Lord Shree Jagannath and Sun Temple at Konark.
The visit was part of the commission’s four-day tour of Odisha, during which it aims to engage with state officials and assess financial requirements for the upcoming fiscal period.
Upon arriving in Puri, the delegation paid homage to Lord Shree Jagannath. Following which, the Commission held an important meeting with Puri Municipality functionaries at Puri Raj Bhavan. The discussions focused on financial allocations, urban infrastructure development, and strategies to enhance civic amenities in the historic temple city.
During the meeting, municipal officials highlighted pressing urban challenges, including sanitation, drainage, waste management, street light and the need for improved infrastructure to support the growing number of pilgrims visiting the holy city of Puri.
Chairman Dr. Panagariya acknowledged the unique needs of Puri and assured that the Finance Commission would consider these concerns in its recommendations.
He emphasized the importance of efficient financial planning and resource allocation to ensure holistic urban development while preserving the city’s rich heritage.
Following that the team visited the Blue Flag Sea Beach and in the evening the Commission proceeded to the Sun Temple in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to appreciate the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Principal Secretary, Finance, Saswat Mishra, Municipal Administration Director Arindam Dakua, Puri Collector Sidharth Sankar Swain, Puri SP Vinit Agrawal, Commission Members Annie George Mathew, Ajay Narayan Jha, and Dr. Manoj Panda were part of the visit.