Financial Relations — Mains Questions

The GST Council represents a unique experiment in cooperative federalism. Analyze its role in transforming Centre-State financial relations and evaluate the challenges it faces in maintaining federal balance.

The 15th Finance Commission introduced performance-based incentives in fiscal transfers. Critically examine how this approach balances competitive federalism with cooperative federalism in India's federal structure.

Examine the impact of increasing reliance on cesses and surcharges by the Centre on federal financial relations. Suggest measures to address the concerns of States while maintaining fiscal flexibility for the Centre.