++ New context post abolition of Planning Commission which has altered the traditional system of resource allocation and consequently abolition of distinction between Plan and Non-Plan funds
++ Furthermore, issues of uncertainty pertaining to GST needed to be fully factored in.
++ Issues of rewards for past performance needed to be balanced with incentivizing future performance.
++ Inadequacy of data and its reliability constituted a significant handicap in realistic revenue projection and other key variables like employment as well as in determining measurable criteria .
++ The taxation capacity of states and any formula on devolution needed to be formed by equity, justice and uniformity.
++ While the TOR were broad ranging, the commission has significant latitude defining its own procedure of work under the Constitution .
++ There were several key challenges in making robust projections on GDP, pension liability, revenue realization and availability of resources beyond devolution for grants-in-aid .
++ State finances were stressed inter alia due to the behavior of Power Sector and implication of UDAY bonds on interest liability of states.
++ The future of Centrally Sponsored Schemes remained problematic with changing pattern of funding and a holistic view needs to be taken.