The seventh State Finance Commission (SFC) of Bihar has officially commenced its public engagement phase, with Chairman Ashok Kumar Chaudhary making a statewide appeal for citizen participation in shaping financial recommendations for local governance bodies. The commission has established a dedicated digital platform to facilitate this crucial input from residents across the state.
Official Website Launch in Patna
During a formal ceremony held at the finance department auditorium in Gardanibagh, Patna, Chairman Chaudhary unveiled the commission's official online portal—7thsfc.bihar.gov.in. The launch event was attended by commission member Anil Kumar and a distinguished former head of the economics department from Patna University, marking a significant step in the commission's operational timeline.
Comprehensive Financial Review Mandate
Addressing attendees at the launch, Chaudhary outlined the commission's primary objectives, emphasizing its mandate to conduct a thorough examination of the financial health of panchayats and urban local bodies throughout Bihar. The commission's work will culminate in a detailed report containing specific recommendations for the state government.
The chairman elaborated on the commission's methodology, stating, "Our team will systematically assess both the estimated receipts and expenditures of these local governance institutions. Based on this analysis, we will propose necessary financial reforms designed to strengthen their operational capabilities and fiscal sustainability."
Public Participation Through Digital Platform
The newly launched website serves as the central hub for public engagement, allowing citizens from all districts to submit their suggestions regarding financial matters directly to the commission. This digital approach represents a modernization of the consultation process, enabling broader participation than traditional methods.
Chaudhary emphasized the importance of this public input, noting that broad-based recommendations require perspectives from various stakeholders across Bihar's diverse communities. The commission specifically seeks insights on:
- Revenue generation mechanisms for local bodies
- Expenditure prioritization and management
- Financial accountability and transparency measures
- Resource allocation between different tiers of local governance
- Innovative funding approaches for rural and urban development
Strengthening Local Governance Structures
The seventh SFC's work comes at a critical juncture for Bihar's decentralized governance system. By focusing on the financial empowerment of panchayats and urban local bodies, the commission aims to address longstanding challenges in resource distribution and fiscal autonomy.
The commission's recommendations are expected to influence how financial resources flow to grassroots institutions, potentially reshaping the relationship between state authorities and local governance structures. This comprehensive review process represents a significant opportunity to strengthen the financial foundations of local democracy in Bihar.
Residents interested in contributing to this important governmental process can now access the commission's official website to submit their suggestions, helping shape financial policies that will affect local governance across Bihar for years to come.
