Finance Ministers' Conclave in Kerala to Discuss 16th Finance Commission

Finance ministers from five opposition-ruled states gathered in Kerala for a one-day conclave to deliberate on issues related to the 16th Finance Commission. Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event, focusing on fiscal federalism and funding for disaster management initiatives.

Finance ministers from five opposition-ruled states convened in Kerala on Thursday for a one-day conclave to address issues concerning the 16th Finance Commission. The event was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, with state Finance Minister KN Balagopal presiding over the discussions.

Key participants included Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu. The conclave featured in-depth discussions on various aspects of the finance commission.

'There will be a very detailed discussion about the different aspects of the finance commission, how the states are representing them, and what the major issues are for considering,' stated Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal. He emphasized that the event is crucial as the 16th Finance Commission is set to finalize its reports next year. The commission, led by Chairman Arvind Panagariya, was constituted by the President on December 31, 2023, and is conducting consultations across states. Expected to wrap up consultations by 2026, the commission will also review disaster management funding.

(With inputs from agencies.)