Bengaluru, June 14 -- Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday pushed for a more equitable tax devolution system while urging the 16th Finance Commission to rectify what he described as a persistent imbalance in fiscal transfers from the Centre to states.

"Karnataka's fiscal strength fuels national growth. It is time to ensure that growth is not penalised but rewarded. We urge the commission to adopt a balanced, forward-looking approach to devolution," Siddaramaiah said during a meeting with commission chairman Arvind Panagariya and members in New Delhi to present Karnataka's views through an additional memorandum.

Highlighting Karnataka's contribution to the national economy, the chief minister pointed out that the state account...