D.K. Shivakumar seeks ‘fairness’ for Southern states in devolution and delimitation
Pride demands fairness in return. We have always done our part. We contribute, we build, we grow, and we carry the nation forward. All we ask from the Union government is this: please care as much as we share: Karnataka Chief Minister
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar spoke on the importance of fairness for Southern States during the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram. Addressing the council chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Shivakumar urged for enhanced devolution of taxes and fair representation in delimitation. He argued that Southern States, which comprise about 20% of the population, contribute nearly 33% of India's GDP.
Karnataka, in particular, plays a crucial role with 42% of India's software exports and 21% of FDI inflows. The Chief Minister highlighted that the State's share in the divisible pool under the 15th Finance Commission had decreased from 4.7% to 3.6%, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹65,000 crore over six years. He also mentioned that the 15th Finance Commission's recommended special grant and State-specific grants had not been released.
Shivakumar welcomed the increase in Karnataka's share to 4.131% under the 16th Finance Commission but insisted on restoring it to its previous level of 4.7%. Regarding delimitation, he emphasized the need to uphold the 1971 population basis and protect the political voice of Southern States by freezing the number of Lok Sabha seats at the current level while incorporating women's reservation within that existing number.
Shivakumar concluded by stating that protecting the South's political voice is crucial for maintaining fairness within India's federal structure.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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