Telangana Dy CM Vikramarka argued for a fairer and more balanced system which includes increasing the central devolutions to 50 percent.
Published Sep 12, 2024 | 8:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Telangana Deputy CM and Finance minister Bhatti Vikramarka at the Ministers’ conclave organised by Kerala on Fiscal Federalism. (X/Bhatti_Mallu)
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who is also the finance minister, has described the upcoming delimitation exercise as a as a looming threat. Delimitation is expected to reduce the political representation of Southern states in the Lok Sabha, raising concerns about their marginalisation.
Speaking at the southern states finance ministers’ conclave at Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, 12 September, the Telangana Dy CM said that the delimitation exercise, based on 2011 population data, is expected to reduce Southern states’ political representation in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament and threatens to marginalise them and undermine their political voice in national decision-making.
He said the states which have prioritised population control and social development could be unfairly penalised, while those with higher population growth may gain disproportionate representation. He argued for replication of the American system where the number of representatives in the House of Representatives has been fixed at a maximum of 435 for the last century.
Blaming the centre for its failure to uphold and safeguard the principle of fiscal federalism, he said: “It is hindering the state’s development, undermining the federal structure, and creating a sense of inequity.”
The Dy CM argued for a fairer and more balanced system which includes increasing the central devolutions to 50 percent, taking enough care that the the states’ contributions to the GDP are adequately reflected in their share of tax devolution.
Vikramarka said there was a need to resist the centre’s ready recourse to cesses and surcharges and sought greater autonomy in borrowing to fiscally responsible states by a suitable interpretation of Article 293. He also wanted protection of political representation of Southern states in the delimitation process.
Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka underscored the need to ensure the financial autonomy and political representation of states. “We must ensure our states have the resources and autonomy needed to chart their own development path, fulfilling the vision of people who framed our Constitution – a strong and prosperous Union of states working together for the collective good.”
The Telangana finance minister expressed concern over penalisation of development and injustice being done to southern states. The southern states, despite their significant contribution to the GDP, have seen their share of tax devolution decline. This is attributed to the use of unjustified population figures and is viewed as a punishment for successful social development and population control, he said.
He expressed disapproval of the way that schemes sponsored by the Centre are handed down to the states. “These schemes come with rigid guidelines and financial burden for states, undermining their autonomy. The increase in CSS budgets at the expense of Finance Commission grants is unjust,” he said.
(Edited by Neena)
