Overview

• Uttarakhand has requested the Finance Commission to raise the weight for forest and ecology in tax-sharing from 10% to 20% and for area from 15% to 20%.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the state's challenges, including 'eco-service costs' from over 70% forest cover and locational disadvantages.
• The state also sought special grants for forest management, disaster preparedness, and infrastructure development for pilgrimage sites.
• Finance Commission Chairman Arvind Panagariya commended Uttarakhand's balanced fiscal deficit, rising per capita income, and strong SDG performance.
• The Finance Commission will continue consultations with local bodies and submit its final report to the central government by October 31, 2025.