The govt's unilateral decision contradicts the principles of federalism and states could be reduced to that of a municipality, I urge the centre...
DMK leader M.K. Stalin urged the Union government to formulate fresh 15th Finance Commission terms after consulting states and GST Council.
M.K.Stalin@mkstalinOriginal post
The govt's unilateral decision contradicts the principles of federalism and states could be reduced to that of a municipality, I urge the centre to frame a new ToR in consultation with all the states and GST Council #3
DMK working president M.K. Stalin issued a strong critique on March 21, 2018, against the central government's unilateral formulation of terms of reference for the 15th Finance Commission. Stalin warned that central diktats undermine foundational constitutional principles, threatening to reduce autonomous state governments to the operational status of local municipalities. He urged the Union administration to immediately draft fresh guidelines in direct consultation with all state governments and the GST Council.
Stalin pointed out that federalism requires consensus and mutual respect between New Delhi and regional administrations. Bypassing state consultation while framing revenue allocation parameters creates deep institutional distrust and concentrates financial authority disproportionately in central hands. He highlighted that state administrations shoulder primary public delivery responsibilities in education, public health, and social welfare, requiring guaranteed fiscal security.
The DMK leader emphasized that economic decentralization is essential to maintain India's federal fabric. He called upon the Centre to abandon unilateral decision-making and embrace collective dialogue across regional boundaries. Stalin affirmed that the DMK will resist every measure aimed at diluting state powers, demanding institutional mechanisms that safeguard financial autonomy and equitable resource distribution.