Panneerselvam may skip South Indian Finance Ministers conference

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam, who also holds the Finance portfolio, probably would skip the South Indian Finance Ministers conference called by Kerala government on Tuesday in Thiruvanthapuram, said an official.

It is learnt that an official delegation from Tamil Nadu may be attending the conference but not Panneerselvam.

A Kerala government official told IANS that the information they got is that an official delegation from Tamil Nadu would be attending and almost all the Finance Ministers of the southern states, as well as that of Goa, have confirmed participation.

He said the conference will discuss on the major issues faced by the southern states over the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission that would determine the share of states in the Central government's tax revenue.

The main contention of the Southern states is the usage of 2011 Census data as the reference point as against the 1971 data which would affect the Southern states that had controlled their population in the overall interests of the nation.

Meanwhile PMK leader S.Ramadoss said Panneerselvam should participate in the conference and register Tamil Nadu's opposition to the ToR.

By skipping the conference, the Tamil Nadu government fears the Central government will take of its stand, he said, adding that the state would pledge its other rights with the Central government.

--IANS

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