**Executive Summary**
The document republishes an order from the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, dated 27th November 2017. The order constitutes the Fifteenth Finance Commission, outlines its composition, and specifies its terms of reference, including recommendations for the distribution of tax revenue between the Union and the States, principles governing grants-in-aid, and measures to augment state resources. The commission is expected to submit its report by October 30, 2019, covering a five-year period starting April 1, 2020.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Constitution of the Fifteenth Finance Commission:**
* Shri N.K. Singh is appointed as the Chairman.
* Four other members are appointed: Shri Shaktikanta Das, Dr. Anoop Singh, Dr. Ashok Lahiri (part-time), and Dr. Ramesh Chand (part-time).
* Shri Arvind Mehta is appointed as the Secretary to the Commission.
* **Term of Office:**
* The Chairman and members hold office until the date of submission of the Report or October 30, 2019, whichever is earlier.
* **Terms of Reference:**
* Recommend the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and States.
* Recommend principles governing grants-in-aid to the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India under Article 275.
* Recommend measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of Panchayats and Municipalities.
* Review the financial status of the Union and the States and recommend a fiscal consolidation roadmap.
* Consider resources of Central and State Governments for the five years starting April 1, 2020.
* **Considerations for Recommendations:**
* Impact of enhanced tax devolution to States.
* Impact of GST, including compensation for revenue loss.
* Conditions that the Government of India may impose on States under Article 293(3).
* Measurable performance-based incentives for States in various areas, including tax net expansion, population growth, implementation of government schemes, capital expenditure, revenue generation, ease of doing business, and sanitation.
* **Other Directives:**
* The Commission should use the population data of 2011.
* The Commission may review arrangements for financing Disaster Management initiatives.
* The Commission should indicate the basis for its findings and provide state-wise estimates.
* **Report Deadline:**
* The Commission shall make its report available by October 30, 2019, covering the five years starting April 1, 2020.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Tamil Nadu Government**
* **Impact:** The recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission will directly impact the financial resources available to the Tamil Nadu government, influencing its ability to fund socio-economic development, infrastructure projects, and other essential services.
* **Action Required:** The Tamil Nadu government needs to provide relevant data and perspectives to the Commission to ensure that its specific needs and challenges are adequately considered in the allocation of financial resources.
**Stakeholder: Central Government**
* **Impact:** The recommendations will affect the Union's fiscal obligations and its capacity to fund various national programs, internal security, defence and infrastructure.
* **Action Required:** The Central Government needs to provide the Fifteenth Finance Commission with all necessary information to make informed decisions about the distribution of financial resources between the Union and the States. The Union should also provide its perspective on the impact of the GST and other structural reforms programs.
**Stakeholder: Panchayats and Municipalities in Tamil Nadu**
* **Impact:** The recommendations on augmenting state resources to supplement the finances of local bodies will affect the funds available to Panchayats and Municipalities for local development and service delivery.
* **Action Required:** Tamil Nadu Government is to effectively implement the performance grant system to improve the delivery of services.
Key Entities Referenced
Fifteenth Finance Commission: The subject of the notification is the constitution of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
Article 280 of the Constitution: Article 280 of the Constitution is the basis for the constitution of the Finance Commission.
Tamil Nadu: Location where the gazette is applicable.
Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951: Act governing the Finance Commission.