<h1>Chief minister urges prime minister to assess GST rate change, compensate states for revenue shortfalls to protect welfare</h1> The state chief minister sought the prime minister's immediate intervention to address anticipated state revenue losses from a proposed GST rate revision, urging an assessment and compensation mechanism. He said the current 50:50 Centre-state GST split and limits on states' revenue-raising capacity would make any sudden shortfall particularly damaging to welfare spending. The state finance minister warned of an Rs 8,000-9,000 crore additional shortfall and potential adverse effects on housing and insurance schemes. The chief minister welcomed tax cuts on essentials if savings are passed to consumers but insisted states must be compensated.