List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “A fair share: On the concerns of high-performing States”

List of Idioms and Phrases from The HINDU editorial: “A fair share: On the concerns of high-performing States”

The call to raise the divisible pool of taxes has been a central demand of high-performing states, who feel they are contributing more than they receive. These states argue that the top-ups added to the tax collections for specific national projects often overlook their own developmental needs. They also express concerns over what they perceive as an infringement on autonomy, particularly when central policies restrict their ability to implement localized solutions.

Recent discussions have reignited the debate about whether the current revenue-sharing model is fair. High-performing states feel they are penalized for their success, as the revenue redistribution formula tends to favor poorer states. Additionally, they feel their hands are tied when it comes to making decisions on how best to allocate resources within their jurisdictions, especially when dealing with contingency expenses that arise unexpectedly.

1.  Raise the divisible pool

• Meaning: To increase the portion of a resource (such as tax revenue) that is shared among different parties.
• Example: "The finance ministers requested the central government to raise the divisible pool of taxes to support state projects."

2.  Top-ups

• Meaning: Additional charges or amounts that are added on top of something, often for a specific purpose.
• Example: "The government introduced top-ups on invoices to fund national infrastructure projects."

3.  Infringement on autonomy

• Meaning: The act of encroaching upon or limiting someone's freedom or independence.
• Example: "State leaders expressed concerns about the infringement on autonomy due to the new tax laws."

4.  Reignited the debate

• Meaning: To bring a previously settled or quiet topic back into active discussion.
• Example: "The chief minister's statement reignited the debate over state tax autonomy."

5.  Penalizing States

• Meaning: To impose disadvantages or restrictions on states, often due to their higher performance or economic status.
• Example: "High-performing states feel penalized for their success through reduced financial allocations."

6.  Hands tied

• Meaning: To be restricted or limited in action, often by rules or circumstances.
• Example: "The government’s hands are tied due to the rigid financial devolution framework."

7. Contingency expenses

• Meaning: Costs that are unexpected or planned for in case of emergencies or unforeseen events.
• Example: "The finance ministers argued that contingency expenses should be accounted for in the budget."