Chennai
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has observed that many of the efforts of over-centralisation through transfer of subjects from the State to the Concurrent List, uniform Central legislations on subjects in the State List, capture of growing tax bases by the Centre, encroachment into the executive jurisdiction of states - most notably in the maintenance of public order- have not been reversed.
In a communication to the Inter-State Council (ISC) meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi on Saturday, read out by Finance Minister O Panneerselvam she pointed out that state level parties and leaders were now far more significant players and added these should not be seen as centrifugal trends that have to be curbed, but as a manifestation of India’s maturing as a nation with diversity and as a democracy.
The CM relied heavily on the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission and stressed the ISC should become a forum where the states are called to discuss, debate and evolve mutually beneficial policies and programmes instead of being “a mere ceremonial meeting.” The Commission had made some valuable suggestions regarding the appointment and removal of governors.
“It may not be appropriate to act with haste on the recommendation regarding providing a fixed term of five years for governors and removal only through an impeachment process and not at the pleasure of the President,” she observed.
Pointing out that the commission had made some important recommendations on the obligation of the Centre to protect states from external aggression and internal disturbances, Jayalalithaa said they were timely reiteration, particularly in the light of trouble faced by Indian fishermen fishing in their traditional region in the Palk Bay by Lankan Navy.
The union government should do more to protect the interests of this group from TN coastal districts, she stressed. The Commission made detailed recommendations on local self-government and decentralised governance. A key recommendation was the simplification of rural local body framework into a two-tier system instead of the existing three-tier system.
Tamil Nadu strongly endorsed the suggestion for a two-tier system. The Government of India should effect transfer of cash to the bank accounts of beneficiaries only through the state governments as this would be an administratively sound practice, given the complexities in different schemes and varying central and state shares, and “will be in keeping with the spirit of federalism,” the Chief Minister said.
TN STANDPOINT
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android