The Tribune Editorial: States have different priorities, with the same goal — hear us out, let's see where it goes.
THE full house at the annual NITI Aayog meeting marked a positive departure from the past. Chief Ministers of all 28 states were present, bucking the trend of boycotting or skipping the apex public policy forum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to highlight the spirit of cooperative federalism, and how the Centre and states were working together to accelerate India's development journey. The optics would suggest that, but Opposition-ruled states, in particular, continue to harbour notions of discrimination and distrust. Going by the theme of the event, 'Inclusive Human Development for Viksit Bharat@2047', activating Centre-state mechanisms for a quick resolution of contentious issues is the only way forward. Allow these to linger, and politics takes precedence over convergence on critical policy matters. It is in no one's interest, certainly not the citizen's.The Punjab Chief Minister has sought a special package for the revitalisation of border areas, which needs urgent consideration. If Bhagwant Singh Mann demanded special financial status for Punjab on the lines of hill states, Himachal Pradesh counterpart Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu pushed for fiscal justice. The contention that the withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant has dealt a severe blow to the state's economy is valid. Omar Abdullah spoke of Jammu and Kashmir's development trajectory while pressing for early restoration of statehood. Nayab Singh Saini's agenda for Haryana included an incentive package to position the state as a tech hub. Different priorities, with the same goal — hear us out, let's see where it goes.A collective resolve extending to villages has a positive ring to it. The problem arises when ideological differences start dictating matters of governance. Cooperative federalism is a constant endeavour, unaffected by election cycles. The Centre-state 'double engine' has to serve every nook and corner, not just the NDA-ruled India.
