THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked the Centre to constitute a panel of chief ministers to evaluate the achievements of Niti Aayog and assess its functioning.While speaking at the fourth meeting of the governing council of the Niti Aayog in New Delhi on Sunday, he said the panel should make recommendations that can be considered at the next governing council meeting."Four years have passed since Niti Aayog came into being and it is time to reflect on its achievements," said the chief minister.He made it clear that the introduction of Goods and Services Tax had limited the freedom of states to raise financial resources. Though there were expectations of a buoyant revenue growth as Kerala is a consumerist state, there have been substantial revenue loss. We are still dependent on compensation, he added."Our development efforts have been constrained by changes in the funding pattern of centrally-sponsored schemes (CSS). The changes have increased the state's contribution to CSS, resulting in shrinking of our fiscal space," he said.The terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission have also created apprehensions. Hence, Centre should reframe the terms of reference in such a way to ensure real fairness and equity in the matter of devolution of resources to states, said Vijayan.Further, to meet the national commitment of doubling farmers' income, he said that states must be given more funds to lower costs while improving product prices and providing scientific, technical services to farmers."At the third meeting of the governing council, I had expressed our commitment to 100% electrification of households, sustainable and modern energy for all and diversification of our energy sources. Kerala achieved that 100% goal in May 2017," he said.

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