CMs of Congress-ruled states accept body as fait accompli

Chief ministers of Congress-ruled states, who had strongly opposed the Modi government's move to dismantle the Planning Commission, on Sunday had to accept the NITI Aayog as a fait accompli.

The chief ministers also made suggestions for better functioning of the body, which came into being on January 1.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the ball rolling by dwelling at length on his pet theme of “cooperative federalism”, and saying that economic activity was needed in states to trigger growth.

Jammu and Kashmir was represented by Governor N N Vohra, while Lt Governor Najeeb Jung represented Delhi at the meeting.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the concerns he had raised on dismantling the Planning Commission have not been considered while setting up of the NITI Aayog.
The Aayog must play an important role in finalising the quantum of resources available for Plan spending, said Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.

“Unlike the previous meeting, chief ministers of Congress-ruled states took a coordinated stand on development. The tone was positive. All states pitched for development-related issues,” said a government source.

“Today, in the first meeting of Governing Council, we should resolve that the NITI Aayog shall study various social and growth parameters of all states and draw up a special plan and programme for states where key indicators of development are below the national average,” said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi. At a meeting convened by Modi last December, chief ministers of Congress-ruled states had seen no merit in the government decision to dismantle the Planning Commission.

“What the Commission needs is reorientation, and not a political burial,” Siddaramaiah had said at that December 7 meet.