Cabinet okays major package for states

  • 02/02/2005

In an attempt to repair the moribund finances of the states and release them from a debt trap, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday accepted in toto the recommendations of the 12th Finance Commission, which will transfer massive resources from the Centre to the states, provide debt relief and waivers, and allow them to borrow from the market.The Centre's generosity could have a huge bearing on its Budget this month. Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, FM P Chidambaram estimated that over the next five years (2005-2010), a sum of over Rs 7.5 lakh crore would get transferred to states, both as their share in Central taxes and as "generous": grants-in-aid that the Commission has recommended.