BJP Submits 22-Point Proposal to 16th Finance Commission in Ranchi

Ranchi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) presented a comprehensive 22-point list of recommendations to the 16th Finance Commission during its recent meeting in Ranchi. Represented by Sudhir Srivastava, State Convener of the BJP Legal Cell, and Rakesh Prasad, State Vice President, the party highlighted critical issues concerning governance, development, and public welfare in Jharkhand.

One of the primary demands was for the preparation of a year-wise report on Jharkhand’s tax revenue since the state’s formation. The BJP also stressed the timely conduct of panchayat and municipal elections, citing that delays hinder the release of central grants to local bodies.

The delegation called for an increase in compensation for lightning strike victims from ?4 lakh to ?5 lakh and recommended extending similar benefits to families of those who lose their lives due to drowning in rivers or ponds.

In rural areas, the BJP emphasized compensation for damage to life and property caused by wild elephant attacks. It also urged the state to disclose accident prevention data and maintain transparency in the distribution of educational scholarships.

The party proposed the implementation of a uniform school dress code under the "One Nation, One Dress" initiative to reduce the financial burden on parents. It also advocated for simultaneous elections across India and urged the Election Commission to release a comprehensive report on the potential benefits of the "One Nation, One Election" model.

Additionally, the BJP suggested strengthening efforts to link voter IDs with Aadhaar, and proposed that voters be provided one-day accident insurance at polling booths during elections.

Concerns regarding poor infrastructure across Jharkhand were also raised. The party demanded urgent improvements in roads, schools, and essential public services. It recommended that every government school be equipped with toilets, playgrounds, and science labs to enhance educational quality.

The BJP also drew the Commission’s attention to the drinking water crisis in the state and urged the development of prominent religious destinations like Deoghar and Rajrappa to better accommodate pilgrims and boost religious tourism.