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Finance commission strengthens local bodies, but at the cost of states

April 07, 2026 7:33 am

The Sixteenth FC’s changes in the horizontal criteria, discontinuation of statutory grants, and tacit approval to the shrinking of the divisible pool have tilted the scales toward greater central leverage through discretionary transfers

How Finance Commission becomes an anchor of fiscal discipline

March 11, 2026 11:32 am

While keeping the cooperative federalism structure intact, the 16th Finance Commission has signaled a shift in approach through measures like the introduction of GDP contribution and greater conditionality in transfers. Does this framework encourage responsible finances or limit the fiscal autonomy of states?

Road to Viksit Bharat runs through its cities

The quiet liberation of Indian cities

March 05, 2026 6:11 am

No country in the modern world has achieved high economic growth, large-scale poverty alleviation, and liveability without empowered urban local governments serving their cities

Dear Editor, I Disagree| Finance Commission's balancing act is misleading

February 19, 2026 7:44 am

Over the last decade, the Centre has increasingly turned to cesses and surcharges that lie outside the divisible pool and are, therefore, not shared with states. These levies have grown from a relatively small component of Union revenues to a substantial one

Decode Politics: Why 16th Finance Commission proposal has Himachal govt on the warpath, BJP on the defensive

February 11, 2026 1:14 pm

State revenue officials warn move could result in halting DA, arrears and discontinue subsidies on electricity, food and water

Himachal CM Sukhu to meet PM Modi over discontinuation of Revenue Deficit Grant, says approaching court is the last option

February 08, 2026 6:27 pm

Himachal Pradesh Finance Secretary Devesh Kumar, who briefed the Cabinet, described the situation as financially alarming.

16th Finance Commission: Among poll-bound states, Kerala sees spike in tax share, Bengal dips

16th Finance Commission: Among poll-bound states, 3 see a spike in tax share, Bengal dips

February 09, 2026 4:06 am

Assam, Tamil Nadu also get higher share in Union taxes, even as 16th FC flags Bengal's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to highlight the rising burden of subsidies on the states' exchequer

Knowledge Nugget |16th Finance Commission Report: Key highlights for UPSC and other competitive exams

February 09, 2026 11:04 am

With the Centre's acceptance of the 16th Finance Commission's recommendations, understanding Article 280, tax devolution, and the new criteria reshaping Centre-State fiscal relations becomes crucial. Here's all you need to know. Also, go 'Beyond the Nugget' to know about the key channels through which resources flow from the Union to the States.

Finance Commission strikes a new balance

Finance Commission strikes a balance – addresses southern states' concerns, and equity

February 03, 2026 8:12 am

States have been demanding not only an increase in their share in the divisible tax pool but also that the issue of growing cesses and surcharges be addressed. In this context, the 16th Finance Commission has tried to strike a balance, while keeping in mind concerns of equity

Cash transfers now take 20% of state subsidies — 16th finance panel sounds alarm, seeks exit clauses

February 03, 2026 9:13 am

At present, the largest such schemes are Maharashtra’s Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Karnataka’s Gruha Lakshmi, and West Bengal’s Lakshmir Bhandar, the 16th Finance Commission report states.