Intersection of Democracy
Federalism,Finance & Development
“Intersections of Democracy: Federalism, Finances & Development” will convene leaders, experts, and practitioners to deliberate on how India’s democratic institutions are evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The conference will explore the dynamic interplay between federal structures, fiscal policies, and development priorities, emphasizing their role in shaping inclusive and sustainable growth.
As India charts its path towards 2047, questions of financial resilience, equitable development, and cooperative federalism become ever more critical. This dialogue offers a platform for sharing perspectives, best practices, and policy innovations that can strengthen governance and empower communities. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from across government, academia, and industry, the summit seeks to foster meaningful conversations and actionable insights for building a stronger, more resilient democracy.
Speakers
Mr Sameer Kochhar
Chairman
SKOCH Group
Prof S Mahendra Dev
Chairman
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
Prof R Kavita Rao
Director
National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP)
Dr M Ramchandran
Distinguished Fellow, SDF
and Former Secretary,
Government of India
Mr Rohan Kochhar
Mr Rohan Kochhar, Founder, SKOCH Law Offices
Events Day
Topic
Intersection of Democracy – Federalism, Finance & Development
Arrival, Meet and Greet
Mr. Sameer Kochhar opened the 101st SKOCH Summit stressing federalism as key to Viksit Bharat. He highlighted democracy as a negotiation between center, states, and local bodies. Citing the GST Council as a best practice, he recommended stronger intergovernmental dialogue, rationalized schemes, and institutions like a permanent Finance Commission and National Fiscal Council to strengthen state capacity and drive inclusive growth.
Prof. S. Mahendra Dev emphasized democracy and federalism as India’s foundations, with states playing a central role in growth, inclusion, and sustainability for Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted rising regional disparities in per capita income despite progress in human development, stressing the importance of fiscal health, transparent management, and Finance Commission allocations to balance inequalities. Citing GST reforms as a model of cooperative federalism, he underlined that strong state finances and decentralization are vital for achieving inclusive and sustainable national development.
Prof. R. Kavita Rao emphasized that financing Viksit Bharat requires strengthening state finances, with states raising only 35% of revenues but bearing 60% of expenditures. She traced India’s tax reforms, noting gains in tax-to-GDP ratio but persistent volatility and limited buoyancy post-2008. Highlighting gaps like exemptions, missing taxpayers, agriculture’s exclusion, and informality, she stressed the need for broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and better communicating how tax revenues benefit citizens to build trust and efficiency.
Dr. M. Ramachandran highlighted that true development begins at the grassroots, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Sabka Vikas. He stressed that progress in villages through education, skills, health, and opportunities empowers communities and strengthens the nation. Drawing from leaders like N.T. Rama Rao, he emphasized uplifting backward classes and ensuring dignity, opportunity, and rightful participation in governance.
Mr. Rohan Kochhar marked the 101st SKOCH Summit as an auspicious milestone, highlighting SKOCH’s role in shaping responsible regulation for India’s online gaming sector. He cautioned against blanket prohibition under the Online Gaming Act 2025, stressing that regulation—not prohibition—better protects consumers, safeguards revenues, and fosters innovation. Proposing a co-regulatory model, risk-based classification, and continuous stakeholder consultation, he urged for balanced implementation that respects federal principles and withstands constitutional scrutiny.