THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Commission Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya and members will reach Thiruvananthapuram today. At 9.30 am, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers and commission members will discuss the needs of Kerala state at Leela Hotel, Kovalam. The commission is coming to determine the financial rights that the state should get from the centre from 2026.

The state will mainly demand an increase in tax allocation. At present, the tax share of states is 41 percent. Kerala will ask to make it fifty. A change in the allocation criteria and an increase in the borrowing limit will also be demanded. The crucial discussion comes amid criticism that the huge cut in Kerala's share has destroyed the state's financial security.

The commission will also hold discussions with State Finance Commission Chairman Dr KN Harilal, Grama, Block and Zilla Panchayat Associations, Chamber of Municipal Chairman, Mayors Council representatives, traders and businessmen representatives, representatives of political parties etc.

Cess and surcharge should be controled

• The state may also demand that the Center should control revenue generation through cess-surcharges instead of taxes. State share in central schemes should be reduced
• Further consideration is required in view of the increase in the number of migrant workers and the elderly, wildlife encroachment and recurring natural disasters.