Centre releases Rs 1.39 lakh crore for states under tax devolution

The Indian government has released an additional Rs 1,39,750 crore for state development.
The total amount devolved to states for the fiscal year 2024-25 stands at Rs 2,79,500 crore. Uttar Pradesh received the highest amount of Rs 25,069.88 crore, followed by Bihar with Rs 14,056.12 crore. This move is expected to accelerate development and capital spending across the country.

In a significant move aimed at accelerating development and capital expenditure across the states, the BJP-led NDA government has released an additional instalment of tax devolution, amounting to a substantial Rs 1,39,750 crore this month.

This strategic financial decision is expected to empower state governments to expedite their respective development agendas and enhance capital spending. The Interim Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 had earmarked a whopping Rs 12,19,783 crore for the devolution of taxes to states. This recent release of funds is part of this budgetary provision.

As of June 10, the total amount devolved to states for the fiscal year 2024-25 stands at Rs 2,79,500 crore. This figure is a testament to the Centre's commitment to fostering growth and development across the nation. The distribution of the devolved funds has been carried out with Uttar Pradesh receiving the highest amount of Rs 25,069.88 crore. This is followed by Bihar, which received Rs 14,056.12 crore.

State-wise Allocation and Impact

Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal were the third and fourth highest recipients with Rs 10,970.44 crore and Rs 10,513.46 crore respectively. This allocation of funds is expected to significantly boost the development initiatives in these states. In February, the Centre had released Rs 1.42 lakh crore in tax devolution to the states. This was in addition to the Rs 72,961 crore disbursed earlier in the same month. The ministry stated, "With this release, states have received a total of three instalments of tax devolution in February 2024.

This consistent financial support from the Centre underscores its commitment to the development of states and the overall growth of the nation. The North-East region, often considered as the less developed part of the country, has also been a significant beneficiary of this tax devolution. The Ministry allocated funds to Assam (Rs 4,371.38 crore), Meghalaya (Rs 1,071.90 crore), Manipur (Rs 1,000.60 crore), Sikkim (Rs 551 crore), Mizoram (Rs 698.78 crore), Nagaland (Rs 795.20 crore) and Tripura (Rs 989.44 crore).

Historical Context and Future Implications

The concept of tax devolution is not new. It has been a part of the Indian fiscal landscape for years, aimed at ensuring balanced development across the country. The 14th Finance Commission, for instance, had recommended a 42% devolution of taxes to states, a significant increase from the previous 32%. This was done to give more fiscal autonomy to the states and enable them to plan and implement their development strategies effectively.

The current move by the Centre is in line with this long-standing policy of empowering states through financial support. It is expected to have a significant impact on the pace of development across the country, particularly in states that have received substantial funds. The move is also likely to enhance the fiscal autonomy of the states, enabling them to tailor their development strategies to their unique needs and challenges.

In conclusion, the release of Rs 1.39 lakh crore as tax devolution to states is a significant step towards accelerating development and capital spending across the country. It is a testament to the Centre's commitment to fostering balanced growth and development across all states. As the funds are put to use, the nation can look forward to witnessing accelerated development and growth in the coming months. This move is not just a financial decision, but a strategic step towards a more balanced and inclusive growth narrative for the country.