Kerala Forms New Finance Commission to Boost Local Governance

The Kerala government has established the 7th State Finance Commission with a two-year mandate. Chaired by K N Harilal, the Commission aims to review the financial conditions of local bodies, recommend taxes, and formulate a financial policy addressing urbanization and disaster management for a resilient Kerala.

The Kerala government on Wednesday announced the formation of the 7th State Finance Commission, which will have a two-year tenure.

Chaired by former Planning Board member K N Harilal, the commission will include the Principal Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department as its members.

The cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, took this decision to empower local bodies by reviewing their financial statuses and recommending viable taxes, surcharges, cess, and fees. Additionally, the commission aims to formulate a comprehensive financial policy to tackle urbanization and enhance disaster management efforts, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for Kerala's communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)