Debates on the budget begin in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly starting today.
With the first general budget and the agriculture budget of the TVK government having been presented, opposition parties have been alleging that several promises mentioned in TVK’s election manifesto have also not been included in the budget.
In this situation, debates on the budget speech will begin in the Legislative Assembly from today.
Today in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, a condolence note will be moved for the passing of former Legislative Assembly member Surulivel, and a condolence resolution will be introduced for the deaths of film director K. Bhagyaraj, writer Puviyarasu, playback singer S. Janaki, and writer Bhoomani.
Following this, the Tamil Nadu government will also bring forward a separate resolution seeking to ensure the rightful financial share for Tamil Nadu from the Union government’s tax devolution.
In the notification issued in this regard, it states: "Recalling the principles of fiscal federalism emphasized in the Constitution of India, and recognizing that a fair and equitable system of financial devolution is essential for states to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities,
Noting that Tamil Nadu has continued to make a significant contribution to the national economy through sustained economic growth, industrial advancement, exports, sound financial management, and a substantial contribution to taxes collected by the Central Government,
and further considering that the distribution of Central taxes should be based on the principles of equity, equal rights, fiscal effort, good governance, and the developmental needs of the States, and that States that have performed well in population control and human resource development should not be placed at any disadvantage,
The fiscal federal principles of the Indian Constitution should ensure an equitable share for the State of Tamil Nadu from the taxes paid to the Union Government, in accordance with equality and fairness.
A transparent, impartial, and fair mechanism for the distribution of central taxes should be followed, duly recognizing the economic contribution, fiscal effort, good governance capacity, and development needs of the States.
Given the achievements of the States in population control and human resource development, the criteria for the distribution of central taxes should be framed in such a way that no State is placed at a disadvantage.
The Assembly is resolved to urge the Central Government to take appropriate measures to protect the fair fiscal interests of the State of Tamil Nadu when making future arrangements regarding the distribution of central taxes.
Moreover, reports indicate that the opposition parties are likely to raise questions in today’s Assembly session on key issues including Cauvery water, law and order, and the Mekedatu dam matter.