Bhubaneswar, Feb. 11: Governor S.C. Jamir praised the role of the finance commission while inaugurating the Odisha Economics Association's 49th annual conference at Rama Devi Women's University here today.
He said the commission had served a great purpose and the conference provided an opportunity to discuss milestones achieved and assess how it had fared in terms of gender mainstreaming at the state and local levels.
Jamir said the commission had successfully acted as an agency bringing about coordination and cooperation that was most important in the working of a federal system.
He said that till now, 14 finance commissions had made their recommendations, primarily dealing with financial relations between the state and the central governments. The commission's recommendations have contributed towards settling many complicated financial problems that affect the relations of the Union and the state, said Jamir.
He said the commission would continue to set high standards as it dealt with important financial resources that were to be divided between the Centre and the government of the federating units.
Speaking on gender equality, the governor said it was not an end in itself, but a necessary means to achieve sustainable human development and reduction of poverty. "Reduction of poverty is certainly the goal, yet equality of opportunities is a major objective. When you are talking about gender and development, the canons of liberty and equality cannot be lost sight of. Of late, everywhere in the world, gender studies assume much importance. As we all know, gender issues permeate all aspects of human interaction and development. As long as gender inequalities exist, our developments never be truly inclusive."
The governor said strategies, programmes, projects and activities should be responsive to gender needs to achieve inclusive development. "By ensuring that men and women are able to fully take part in and benefit from the country's development, we ensure that the country's growth may be more rapid and sustainable."
