The report that the Narendra Modi government, on coming to power in 2014, had tried to cut funds allocated to the States is “shocking” and a “cause for concern,” Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal said on Friday.
Mr. Balagopal was reacting to remarks made by NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer B.V.R. Subrahmanyam during a seminar that the Prime Minister had tried to get the 14th Finance Commission to reduce its recommendation of 42% tax share to the States. Mr. Subrahmanyam’s ‘revelation’ proves that the Kerala government’s long-standing grievances against the Centre on financial matters are true, Mr. Balagopal said.
