Publius: The Journal of Federalism Advance Access originally published online on October 10, 2006
Publius: The Journal of Federalism 2007 37(1):26-44; doi:10.1093/publius/pjl014
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The Political Economy of India's Fiscal Federal System and its Reform

*National Institute for Public Finance and Policy
University of California, Santa Cruz
This article examines recent and potential reforms in India's fiscal federal system. We summarize key federal institutions in India, including tax and expenditure assignments, and mechanisms for Centerstate transfers. We discuss the institutional process by which reforms can and do take place, including the role of academics, political influences, and especially institutions such as the Finance Commission. In contrast to the past, recent commissions have played a greater role in articulating an agenda for fiscal federal reform, which then proceeds through political bargaining. This change has taken place in the context of, and been influenced by, broader economic reform in India.
Correspondence: boxjenk{at}ucsc.edu