Today, through the Finance Commission's recommendations, 30 per cent of the total assigned revenue goes to the States. This is not adequate. Even for a State like Tamil Nadu which implements a lot of welfare schemes for the people is getting only 5.038 per cent of the total kitty, which is just not sufficient to make all the developmental and non-developmental expenditure. Therefore, instead of keeping all the resources here, devolve the resources. I would feel that at least the 13th Finance Commission which is working on the devolution of resources must be advised by the Government that 40 per cent of the combined total revenue of the Central Government must be given to the States. Secondly, the service tax. I think, the Parliament has brought the 88th amendment to transfer the resources generated through the service tax. The Government of India is imposing taxes on 101 services and they all come directly from the States. Our understanding is, through the 88th amendment, these revenues must go back to the States but it is not happening. Therefore, I would appeal to the Government of India that the entire revenue of service taxes must be devolved to the respective States. Then, regarding the Centrally-sponsored schemes, the Government is giving only 50 per cent of the expenditure and the remaining 50 per cent comes from the States, which is imposing a heavy financial burden. Therefore, I would feel, for all the Central sector schemes, 100 per cent assistance should be given by the Government. Lastly, with regard to my Union Territory, the hon. Finance Minister is there, I would say that the Union Territory of Pondicherry is facing acute financial crisis because it is not entitled to any transfer of resources from the Finance Commission.
