

Fund transfers to states under 15th Finance Commission declined 52% over 3 years
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. NEW DELHI : The Centre’s revenue deficit grants to states have sharply declined in recent years, reducing the funds states receive under the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations. The grants, meant to cover post-devolution revenue shortfalls, fell from ₹1,18,452 crore in 2021-22 to ₹24,483 crore in 2024-25, with a further drop to ₹13,705 crore expected in 2025-26, budget documents show.
Also read: Centre sets new five-year target to cut debt to half of GDP; signals robust capital spending, support to states The steady decline reflects a broader fiscal strategy aimed at reducing states’ reliance on central transfers and promoting financial self-sufficiency. The post-devolution revenue deficit grant, provided under Article 275 of the Constitution, helps states bridge gaps in their revenue accounts after tax devolution. However, the 15th Finance Commission's framework envisions a phased reduction, pushing states to align their revenue and expenditure.
This shift has led to a broader decline in overall transfers under the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations, which have fallen from ₹2,15,000 crore in 2021-22 to ₹1,03,000 crore in 2024-25, according to data from the finance ministry. The allocation was ₹1,74,000 crore in 2022-23 and ₹1,49,000 crore in 2023-24. “The Finance Commission determines post-devolution revenue deficit grants based on the states' anticipated revenue and unavoidable expenditure," said a person aware of the matter, who didn't want to be named.
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