Watch: ‘Centre cannot dictate States': federalism, funds and delimitation dominate
The ministers highlighted issues such as fiscal autonomy, borrowing limits, the role of Governors, language, and the upcoming delimitation exercise. They argued that the Constitution grants states significant independence, and expressed concern over what they described as increasing centralisation of power by the Union government.
Mr. Thiaga Rajan raised the issue of cess and surcharges affecting the divisible tax pool, while Mr. Rajeeve pointed to parliamentary overreach in regulating universities and borrowing powers. Both ministers voiced concerns that the southern states may face reduced representation post-delimitation despite leading in development and population control.
Read more: Union Government cannot dictate the state's policies, says Palanivel Thiaga Rajan
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