Govt should take CMs' views before changing Finance Commission's terms of reference: Manmohan Singh

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday said the government should have taken chief ministers' views before changing the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission, adding that unilateralism is not good for federal policy and cooperative federalism.

Earlier in July, the Centre changed the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission and mandated the panel to suggest ways for allocation of non-lapsable funds for defence and internal security.

Speaking at an event here, Singh said any change in the panel's terms of reference at the fag-end of its term should have been done in consultation with the states.