This paper calls for recalibrating the 7th NFC Award, which still relies on outdated census data and pre‑merger boundaries. Using the 2023 Digital Census, 2024–25 poverty estimates, and updated revenue figures, it proposes an Updated Baseline that refreshes indicators while retaining the original formula. Positioned as an interim measure until the 11th NFC Award, the framework ensures fairness, transparency, and evidence‑based fiscal planning for Budget 2026–27.
