Recommendations of the 12th Finance Commission
The 12th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr. C. Rangarajan, submitted its report for the period 2005-2010. Its primary objective was to recommend principles governing the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States, and among the States themselves. The commission’s recommendations significantly impacted fiscal federalism in India.
Key Recommendations:
- Tax Devolution: The Commission recommended that the States’ share in the net proceeds of shareable Central taxes should be 30.5%. This was a modest increase from the 29.5% recommended by the 11th Finance Commission, reflecting a cautious approach towards fiscal consolidation and responsibility at both the Union and State levels.
- Grant-in-Aid: Besides tax devolution, the Commission advocated for grants-in-aid to States to address specific needs. This included grants for local bodies, special category states, calamity relief, and grants to address non-plan revenue deficit. A significant focus was placed on improving the infrastructure and service delivery at the local government level.
- Fiscal Responsibility: The Commission emphasized fiscal discipline and recommended that both the Union and States enact and adhere to Fiscal Responsibility Legislation (FRL). It suggested measures to reduce revenue deficits and public debt. Incentives were linked to adherence to FRL targets, encouraging States to manage their finances prudently.
- Debt Relief: Recognizing the burden of debt on States, the Commission recommended a debt consolidation and waiver scheme. This scheme involved consolidating Central loans to States and rescheduling them over a 20-year period with a lower interest rate. States that adhered to FRL targets were eligible for debt waivers, incentivizing fiscal prudence.
- Local Body Grants: A substantial portion of the grants was earmarked for local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities). These grants were intended to improve the quality of services provided by local governments, such as water supply, sanitation, and primary education. The Commission stressed the importance of empowering local bodies and strengthening their financial autonomy.
- Calamity Relief: The Commission recommended a revised scheme for financing calamity relief. It proposed the creation of a National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) and State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) to provide timely assistance to affected regions.
- Performance-Based Incentives: The Commission introduced the concept of performance-based incentives. States were encouraged to improve their fiscal management, infrastructure development, and service delivery. Grants were linked to the achievement of specific targets in these areas, promoting efficiency and effectiveness.
Impact:
The 12th Finance Commission’s recommendations significantly influenced fiscal management in India. The increased tax devolution provided States with more resources, while the debt relief scheme eased their financial burden. The emphasis on fiscal responsibility and performance-based incentives encouraged States to improve their financial management and service delivery. The grants to local bodies helped strengthen local governance and improve the quality of life at the grassroots level. Overall, the Commission’s report played a crucial role in promoting fiscal stability and inclusive growth in India.