Ministers Gather to Address Economic Federalism Challenges

Ministers from five non-BJP-ruled states will meet in Kerala to discuss key issues related to the 16th Finance Commission. The discussion aims to tackle economic federalism challenges. The event, led by Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal, will feature top dignitaries including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Ministers from five non-BJP-ruled states are set to convene on Thursday in Kerala to address critical issues pertaining to the 16th Finance Commission. The forum aims to tackle pressing challenges related to economic federalism.

K N Balagopal, Kerala's Finance Minister, announced that the meeting comes at a crucial time as states face significant developmental and financial hurdles. The primary goal is to present these difficulties to the 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr. A Arvind Panagariya, and seek viable solutions.

The high-level conclave will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and will see participation from various dignitaries including Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. Other notable attendees include Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, economist Dr. Arvind Subramanian, former Kerala Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac, and Vice-Chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board Prof V K Ramachandran. The event will be presided over by Minister Balagopal.

(With inputs from agencies.)