What is Centre-State Financial Relations?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Constitutional Framework: Part XII of the Constitution (Articles 264-291) deals with financial relations, including distribution of taxing powers, grants-in-aid, and borrowing powers.
- 2.
Distribution of Taxing Powers: Parliament has exclusive power to legislate on taxes in the Union List, states on the State List. Concurrent List has no taxation entries. Residuary powers of taxation lie with Parliament.
- 3.
Tax Sharing (Divisible Pool): Article 270 mandates the sharing of certain Union taxes (like Income Tax, Corporation Tax, GST) with states. The percentage and criteria for distribution are determined by the Finance Commission.
- 4.
Cesses and Surcharges: Article 271 allows Parliament to levy surcharges for Union purposes, which are not shared with states. Cesses, though not explicitly mentioned in Article 271, also generally fall outside the divisible pool, impacting state revenues.
- 5.
Grants-in-Aid: Article 275 provides for statutory grants (recommended by Finance Commission) to states in need of assistance. Article 282 allows for discretionary grants by both Centre and states for public purposes.
- 6.
Finance Commission (Article 280): A quasi-judicial body constituted every five years to recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and states, and the principles governing grants-in-aid.
- 7.
GST Council (Article 279A): A unique federal body that makes recommendations on GST-related matters, including rates, exemptions, and laws, ensuring cooperative federalism in indirect taxation.
- 8.
Borrowing Powers: Both Union and states can borrow, but states require Union government consent for borrowing if they owe money to the Centre.
- 9.
Inter-State Trade and Commerce: Article 301-307 deal with freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse, with Parliament having powers to impose restrictions in public interest.
Visual Insights
Centre-State Financial Relations: Key Components
Illustrates the key components and mechanisms governing Centre-State financial relations in India.
Centre-State Financial Relations
- ●Taxation Powers
- ●Finance Commission
- ●GST
- ●Loans and Borrowing
Recent Developments
5 developmentsThe news highlights the shift where new cesses will go 'directly to the Centre, unlike the GST compensation cess which was distributed to states,' impacting the fiscal autonomy and revenue share of states.
Recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission on vertical and horizontal devolution of taxes, grants, and fiscal consolidation roadmaps for states.
Debates on the increasing share of cesses and surcharges in the Centre's gross tax revenue, reducing the divisible pool available to states.
Impact of GST implementation on state revenues and the need for continued compensation or alternative mechanisms.
Demands from states for greater fiscal autonomy and flexibility in spending central grants.
This Concept in News
7 topicsHimachal Governor Skips Portion of Address Citing Constitutional Institution
17 Feb 2026The Himachal Pradesh Governor's actions directly demonstrate the practical implications of Centre-State financial arrangements. The news highlights the aspect of discretionary grants and the potential for disagreements over resource allocation. The Governor's decision to skip the portion related to the revenue deficit grant suggests that the state government may have concerns about the Centre's financial policies. This event applies the concept of fiscal federalism in practice, showing how different levels of government can have conflicting priorities and perspectives. The news reveals that the discontinuation of revenue deficit grants can be a sensitive issue, potentially leading to friction between the Centre and the States. Understanding Centre-State financial relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the underlying issues and the potential consequences of the Governor's actions. Without this understanding, it is difficult to assess the significance of the event and its implications for the future of federalism in India.
Fiscal Prudence vs. Election Freebies: A Recurring Indian Dilemma
16 Feb 2026The news highlights how state governments' welfare schemes are funded, which is a key aspect of Centre-State financial relations. The news event applies the concept by showing how states depend on central funds and their own revenue to finance such schemes. This dependence can lead to conflicts over resource allocation. The news reveals the ongoing debate about whether states should prioritize fiscal discipline or welfare spending. The implications of this news are that states need to strike a balance between these two. Understanding Centre-State financial relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the framework for understanding the financial powers and responsibilities of both the Centre and the States. It helps in assessing the fairness and sustainability of state government policies and their impact on the overall economy.
Rural Jobs Act Provisions Challenged in Madras High Court
16 Feb 2026This news highlights the ongoing tension and negotiation inherent in Centre-State Financial Relations. The VB-G RAM G Act's provisions, if they shift the financial burden onto states and reduce panchayat autonomy, directly challenge the principles of fiscal federalism and decentralization. This news event applies the concept in practice by showing how central legislation can impact state finances and local governance. It reveals that the balance of power in financial matters is constantly being contested. The implications are that states may become more financially strained, and local governance may be weakened. Understanding Centre-State Financial Relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the legal and constitutional basis for the challenge and the potential consequences for states and local communities. It is important to understand which level of government is responsible for what, and how money is supposed to flow between them.
PM Modi accuses Congress of neglecting Northeast India
15 Feb 2026The news underscores the practical application of Centre-State financial relations. The increased budget allocation demonstrates how the central government can prioritize specific regions for development. This news highlights the role of the central government in addressing regional imbalances through financial transfers. It also shows how political narratives can be linked to financial allocations. Understanding Centre-State financial relations is crucial for analyzing the effectiveness of government policies in promoting balanced regional development. The news also raises questions about the criteria used for allocating funds and whether these criteria are fair to all states. Analyzing such news requires a deep understanding of the constitutional framework and the role of institutions like the Finance Commission in ensuring equitable resource distribution. Without this understanding, it is difficult to assess the validity of claims made by political leaders regarding regional development.
Karnataka CM Criticizes Centre, Unveils 'Sixth Guarantee' Scheme
15 Feb 2026This news highlights the critical aspect of resource distribution in Centre-State Financial Relations. The Karnataka CM's statements demonstrate the practical challenges states face in securing adequate funding for their developmental programs. This news applies the concept of fiscal federalism, where states demand greater autonomy in managing their finances. It reveals the ongoing tension between the Centre's control over revenue and the States' need for resources. The implications of this news are that states may increasingly seek alternative funding sources or challenge the Centre's allocation policies. Understanding Centre-State Financial Relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for the political and economic dynamics at play. It helps to understand why states feel the need to launch guarantee schemes and why they might perceive the Centre's funding as inadequate. Without this understanding, the news would simply appear as a political spat, rather than a reflection of deeper systemic issues.
Union and West Bengal Education Ministers Clash Over NEP Implementation
15 Feb 2026This news demonstrates how financial relations can be used as a tool to influence state policies. The Union government's offer of funds for NEP implementation highlights the Centre's power to incentivize states. West Bengal's resistance shows the states' desire for autonomy and control over their own policies, especially in areas like education, which are on the concurrent list. This situation applies the concept of fiscal federalism, where financial resources are used to achieve national objectives while respecting state autonomy. The news reveals that the balance between these two can be delicate and lead to disputes. Understanding Centre-State Financial Relations is crucial for analyzing such news because it provides the context for understanding the power dynamics and the motivations of both the Centre and the States. It also helps to understand the potential implications for policy implementation and regional development.
Himachal CM Seeks BJP Support to Avert Aid Cuts
9 Feb 2026This news highlights the critical role of Revenue Deficit Grants (RDG) in sustaining the economies of certain states, particularly those with limited revenue-generating capacity. The potential elimination of RDG by the 16th Finance Commission challenges the existing framework of Centre-State financial relations and raises concerns about fiscal equity. This news reveals the vulnerability of states heavily reliant on central transfers and the need for a more nuanced approach to resource allocation. The implications of this news are significant, as it could lead to increased financial strain on affected states, potentially hindering their development efforts. Understanding Centre-State financial relations is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the financial dependencies of states, the role of the Finance Commission, and the potential consequences of policy changes on state economies. For answering questions about this news, it is important to understand the constitutional provisions governing financial relations, the criteria used by the Finance Commission, and the arguments for and against RDG.
