Centre Disburses 8,601 Crore to Northeast States in Tax Advance

Guwahati: The Centre released 8,601 crore to eight Northeastern states as an advance tax devolution payment. This cash injection aims to bolster local budgets and kickstart stalled development work. Money hit the accounts to ensure state governments meet their immediate financial commitments.

Assam claimed the biggest slice of the pie at 3,552 crore. Arunachal Pradesh followed with 1,476 crore. Tripura pulled 699 crore, while Meghalaya secured 688 crore. Manipur took 682 crore, Mizoram received 615 crore, Nagaland got 524 crore, and Sikkim rounded out the group with 365 crore.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the support. In an online post on November 1, Sangma praised Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for recognizing the urgent requirements of the states. He stated, "The funds would strengthen the financial position of states and help governments fulfil their financial obligations."

The payout extends beyond the Northeast. Uttar Pradesh topped the national list with 19,208 crore. Bihar grabbed 10,845 crore, while Madhya Pradesh took 8,010 crore. West Bengal landed 7,866 crore, Maharashtra received 7,022 crore, Rajasthan got 6,460 crore, and Odisha walked away with 4,819 crore.