NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the NDA’s credentials on cooperative federalism, asserting that the states received Rs 11 lakh crore, which had been Rs 6 lakh crore more than what had been given by the previous government at the Centre. Modi also sought the cooperation of the states in realising the aims of doubling the farmers’ income.
The Prime Minister also sought recommendations from the states on further convergence of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) with agriculture, especially in pre- and post-harvesting of crops.
The Prime Minister also apprised the states about the ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme, which aims to cover 10 crore people under health insurance.
However, the Centre has not yet disclosed ways to fund the scheme, though Rs 10,000 crore was earmarked for it in the Union Budget.
The Chief Ministers of southern states also flagged the issue of the terms of reference of the 15th Finance Commission, particularly the 2011 Census as a benchmark for devolution of funds.
Incidentally, the fourth Governing Council of NITI Aayog took place without any plan document even while the previous meeting had failed to adopt the “Three Years Action Plan” following objection by chief ministers.
The NITI Aayog, which now is working on a Vision Document for 2022, could also not present the new plan, with its vice chairman Rajiv Kumar telling reporters that the panel is still working on it.
PM Modi for wider consultation on simultaneous polls
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Governing Council of the NITI Aayog that more wider consultation is required on the issue of holding simultaneous elections in the country. Modi’s remarks came in the backdrop of the Law Commission recently deliberating on the issue of holding simultaneous elections.