THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala said the Centre should consult with states on governor appointments. “Ideal method is to ask the states to submit a list of persons from whom the Centre can choose a candidate,” he said.
He said the replacement of Planning Commission with Niti Aayog was an example for the Centre infringing on states’ rights. “States are yet to get a proper briefing on the modalities of the new system.
Niti Aayog has resulted in the concentration of fund allocation powers to the office of the Prime Minister and Union Finance Minister,” he said.
Union Government’s priority for some states eyeing electoral gains is another unhealthy trend, he said.
Post-demonetisation more currencies were given to UP eyeing the Assembly polls, he said.
Former Finance Minister K M Mani opined that the Centre should divest some of its powers to the states. “States have the responsibility of health and education but their revenue is less when compared to duties to be performed,” he said.
“Also states had divested most of its powers to the LSGs, a model which should be replicated by the Central Government. This will strengthen federalism,” he said.