DK Shivakumar Raises Cauvery, Delimitation and Fiscal Devolution Issues at Southern Zonal Council

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has raised a series of issues concerning water sharing, political representation and fiscal devolution at the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu. On the Cauvery issue, Shivakumar called for a shift from a dispute-oriented approach to greater cooperation among states, stressing equality, transparency and mutual understanding in water management. He also argued that southern states that have successfully controlled population growth should not face a reduction in political representation through delimitation. He sought continuation of the 1971 population basis and proposed retaining the Lok Sabha’s present strength of 543 seats, with women’s reservation accommodated within the existing number.

Shivakumar also highlighted Karnataka’s concerns over its share in central tax devolution. The state’s share fell from 4.713% under the 14th Finance Commission to about 3.646% under the 15th Finance Commission; under the 16th Finance Commission, Karnataka’s share has risen to about 4.13%. He sought a further increase towards the earlier 4.7% level and raised the issue of special grants recommended for Karnataka. He also sought projects including the Bengaluru–Mumbai high-speed rail corridor, the STRR South project, an AIIMS for Raichur and a special package for Kalyana Karnataka. Shivakumar called for protection of states’ taxation rights over mineral resources, a review of the Mines and Minerals Bill, stricter action against drug trafficking and stronger cooperative federalism between the Centre and states.