Articles by R Mohan

The first report of the Fifteenth Finance Commission has allayed many fears that arose after the notification of the terms of reference of the commission. The main report for the period 2021–22 to 2025–26 will have to factor in the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the economy and provide adequate fiscal space to the states for socio-economic response and recovery.

The state of cooperative federalism in India is analysed by focusing on the trends in vertical fiscal imbalances between the centre and the states, the impact of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management acts on the fiscal space of the states, the implications of the Terms of Reference of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, and the need for empowering local governments in the context of centre–state relations.

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This is with reference to your editorial on the terms of reference of the Fourteenth Finance Commission (“A Burdensome Agenda for the Fourteenth Finance Commission”, EPW, 26 January 2013).

With reference to the article “Mystery of the Kerala Poll Results” (EPW, 28 May), it needs to be pointed out at the outset that the statement “Never before has a ministry taken office with such a slender majority” is factually incorrect.