Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions?
UPSC asks about Finance Commissions (13th, 14th, 15th), GST (101st Amendment) and compensation, Centre–State financial relations, and Fiscal Health Index.
What to cover
FC constitution and terms of reference
14th FC devolution increase
GST structure, Council, compensation and COVID stress
Fiscal Health Index
Writing the answer
Cross-link with GS3 budgeting
These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 8 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.