🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📌 The Question:

Which of the following statements with regard to recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission of India are correct?

I. It has recommended grants of ₹4,800 crores from the year 2022–23 to the year 2025–26 for incentivizing States to enhance educational outcomes.
II. 45% of the net proceeds of Union taxes are to be shared with States.
III. ₹45,000 crores are to be kept as performance-based incentive for all States for carrying out agricultural reforms.
IV. It reintroduced tax effort criteria to reward fiscal performance.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) I, II and III
(b) I, II and IV
(c) I, III and IV
(d) II, III and IV

✅ Correct Answer: (c) I, III and IV

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🧠 Curiosity Raiser

Why does a Finance Commission reward effort and outcomes, not just population and need?
Because fiscal federalism now seeks reform-oriented States, not passive recipients.

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📘 Enrichment Notes (Prelims Core)

🔹 Statement-wise Analysis

• Statement I ✅ Correct
  • XV Finance Commission recommended ₹4,800 crore
  • Spread as ₹1,200 crore per year from 2022–23 to 2025–26
  • Objective: Improve educational outcomes in States
• Statement II ❌ Incorrect
  • Vertical devolution = 41%, not 45%
  • Reduced from 42% due to creation of UTs of J&K and Ladakh
  • Same level as FC-XIV (adjusted)
• Statement III ✅ Correct
  • ₹45,000 crore earmarked as performance-based incentive
  • Purpose: Agricultural reforms by States
• Statement IV ✅ Correct
  • Tax effort criterion reintroduced
  • Rewards States that mobilise own revenues efficiently

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🔑 One-Line Recall (Exam Gold)

• 41% vertical devolution
• Performance grants = education + agriculture
• Tax effort revived

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🧘‍♂️ IAS Monk Whisper

Federal harmony grows when effort is rewarded, not entitlement alone.