Southern States' Ministers Rally for Fair Central Fiscal Allocations

Finance ministers from four South Indian states and Punjab are set to meet on September 12 to address significant cuts in Central financial allocations. The meeting aims to pressure the BJP-ruled Centre to address these grievances, amidst the preparations for the 16th Finance Commission.

Finance ministers from four South Indian states and Punjab will convene on September 12 to discuss significant cuts in Central financial allocations to their states, sources revealed on Monday.

The conclave, which includes opposition-ruled states of Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, seeks to present a united front demanding fair fiscal treatment from the forthcoming 16th Finance Commission.

This initiative, led by the Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal, aims to highlight the perceived biases in current allocation practices by the BJP-led Centre. Special emphasis will be laid on bridging the revenue disparity and reforming financial relations to promote cooperative federalism.

(With inputs from agencies.)