Book Description

India's present fiscal structure is the result of a gradual evolution, along decentralized lines, dating back to December 14, 1870 when a resolution was issued by Lord Mayo, Viceroy of India. Fiscal federalism is a subject of topical interest in India in view of some recent developments of historical importance. For example, the passage of the Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992 was a landmark in the history of municipal administration in India. As a result, panchayats (village councils) and municipalities are now constitutional bodies forming the third tier of the federal polity of India. Furthermore, the Constitution (Eightieth Amendment) Act, 2000 significantly changed the manner of distribution of central tax collections between the central and state governments. This book provides a detailed description and analysis of the evolution and the present nature of center-state financial relations in India. It explains the existing constitutional arrangements for intergovernmental financial transfers and the role of the Finance Commission and the Planning Commission in effecting these transfers. The book consists of 27 chapters which explain different dimensions of fiscal federalism in India. There are 8 appendices which provide supplementary information related to center-state financial relations. Also included is a glossary of fiscal terms.