The Center has appointed Manoj Panda, former director of the Institute of Economic Growth, as a full-time member of the 16th Finance Commission. This will fill the vacancies in the Finance Committee, which was previously functioning with only three full-time members and Chairman Arvind Panagariya.
“The above members shall hold office from the date of their appointment until the date of submission of their report or October 31, 2025, whichever is earlier,” said the official notification regarding Panda's appointment.
Panda is an eminent economist and former RBI Chair Professor at the Institute of Economic Growth.
The Center constituted the 16th Finance Committee on December 31, 2023, and subsequently appointed members and chairperson on January 31, 2024. The four full-time members included Ajay Narayan Jha, Annie George Mathew, Niranjan Rajadhyaksha and Soumya Kanti Ghosh.
However, Mr. Rajadhyaksha, who is also the executive director of Artha Global, announced on February 19 that he was unable to assume the role of member, citing unforeseen personal circumstances. “Steps will be taken to appoint a member of the 16th Committee in place of Dr. Rajadhyaksha,” an official statement said at the time.
Mr. Panda's appointment means that the Finance Committee can begin its work in earnest with full force, including deliberations with economists and experts, as well as a comprehensive view of the public finances. This includes state visits and consultations with local governments. problem.
The 16th Financial Services Commission is scheduled to submit a report for the five years from April 1, 2026 by October 31, 2025. The committee held its first meeting on February 14 this year.
