Demands from non-BJP states at the PM-led NITI Aayog meeting include central funding and water share

During the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog held on Saturday in New Delhi, several non-BJP Chief Ministers voiced strong and varied demands, highlighting issues ranging from fund allocation and cooperative federalism to inter-state water disputes and resource rights. The meeting, themed ‘Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047’, was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the need to work as "Team India" to build a developed India by 2047.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

1. Tamil Nadu – MK Stalin

  • Urged the Centre to release ₹2,200 crore under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

  • Criticized the Centre for linking funds to the ‘PM Shri’ scheme MoU, saying it undermines cooperative federalism.

  • Called for increasing states’ share in central taxes to 50%.

  • Sought a dedicated urban transformation mission for Tamil Nadu.

  • Emphasized that children’s education should not suffer due to political disagreements.

2. Telangana – Revanth Reddy

  • First Telangana CM in years to attend the NITI Aayog meeting.

  • Proposed a national task force under the PM to tap the economic potential of India’s top 6 metros: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

  • Emphasized inclusive development and highlighted Hyderabad's contribution of 2.5% to national GDP, despite its smaller size.

3. Punjab – Bhagwant Mann

  • Strongly opposed the Centre’s “biased” stance on Bhakra dam management and water sharing with Haryana.

  • Rejected the idea of sharing Punjab’s water, stating no surplus exists.

  • Urged for the Yamuna-Sutlej-Link canal as an alternative to the SYL project.

  • Criticized the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) for alleged discrimination.

  • Highlighted Punjab’s heavy reliance on groundwater for irrigation.

4. Andhra Pradesh – N Chandrababu Naidu

  • Suggested forming three sub-groups on:

    • GDP growth (boosting investments and jobs)

    • Population management (addressing ageing and fertility)

    • Artificial Intelligence

  • Called for viability gap funding for PPP infrastructure projects.

  • Reaffirmed support for fast-tracking the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

5. Himachal Pradesh – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

  • Demanded pending central funds be released promptly.

  • Urged the Centre to relax eligibility norms for hill states in central schemes.

  • Emphasized that timely funds would help Himachal become self-reliant.

6. Jharkhand – Hemant Soren

  • Demanded amendment to the Coal Bearing Areas (CBA) Act to mandate the return of land post-mining.

  • Claimed ₹1.40 lakh crore in dues from mining companies for unpaid land compensation.

  • Proposed mandatory captive power plants for mining firms, with 30% of power used within Jharkhand to boost local employment.

  • Highlighted the energy potential of coal-based methane gas.

Notable Absentees:

  • Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, and West Bengal (Mamata Banerjee) skipped the meeting.

Broader Message:

While PM Modi emphasized cooperation and unity, the meeting saw intense advocacy from non-BJP states demanding more financial autonomy, equitable resource distribution, and inclusion in national planning. The event marked a significant post-Operation Sindoor engagement between the Centre and states, reinforcing both tensions and opportunities within India's federal structure.


 

buttons=(Accept !) days=(20)

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Learn More
Accept !