Nirmala Sitharaman: No more ‘special category’ status for states, says FM Nirmala Sitharaman - Times of India
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BHUBANESWAR: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman made it clear on Friday that the Centre will not consider demands for “special category status” for any state, dealing a major blow to states like Odisha and Bihar who have been pushing for it for some years now. Asked whether the Centre will consider Odisha’s push for special category status, the FM, who was interacting with the media here on the Union Budget, said, “(The 14th) Finance commission has clearly said no special status can be given.” Taking examples of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which were given special category status in the initial years after bifurcation, she said, “But the finance commission’s clear opinion is no more special status category.” Odisha and Bihar have been pressing for special category status to avail 90% funds in centrally sponsored schemes, instead of the present arrangement of 60%, besides other benefits. Odisha has been seeking change in criteria to accommodate it keeping in mind