Reports highlighted the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations, increasing tax devolution shares for southern states: Karnataka (up to 4.13% from 3.65%), Kerala (up to 2.4% from 1.9%), Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (slight increases), while Tamil Nadu saw a minor dip. This reflects a shifting trend rewarding high-GDP contributors, with Karnataka gaining an estimated extra ₹7,387 crore in 2026-27. These changes, effective from 2026, signal a policy focus on fiscal equity and performance-based allocations.