N K Singh,15th Finance Commission chairman (file photo)
NEW DELHI: The 15th Finance Commission’s first report has been accepted by the government and it is now working on the recommendations for 2021 -2026. The panel’s chairman N K Singh spoke to TOI’s Sidhartha about the way forward. Excerpts:
Are you satisfied with the implementation as most of the recommendations have been accepted?
The acceptance of the report is a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to principles of fiscal federalism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly talked about. He has assigned the necessary resources not just in accepting the devolution award but also given this huge increase in other segments.
It appears that some southern states are losing out on the transfers from Centre to the states.
It has been our endeavour to recognise efficiency and progress. The performance has been rewarded and the needs of today are being recognised.
There have been a series of demands for grant of special category status. Yo