Centre committed to equitable development of all states: Rajnath

Listing a four-point agenda for discussion at the 11th Inter-State Council meeting, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that Centre is committed to realize the equitable development of all states.

Welcoming all participants, Singh said the fact that the Inter State meeting was being held after a gap of 10 years highlighted the BJP-led government's philosophy of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas'.

Emphasizing that states should actively participate in the formulation of development related policies and their implementation, Singh said states should indulge in a healthy competition and adopt each other's best practices.

"In this meeting we will discuss on four agenda items which is of common interest to all," he said.

"First, we will discuss the status Justice MM Punchhi commission's recommendations and way forward. Justice MM Punchhi commission had submitted report in 2010 which had 273 recommendations...Second agenda is that the schemes launched by the government should reach the targeted beneficiaries. Aadhar can be used for it. Adhar already has already benefitted in many schemes," he added.

He said the third agenda would be to discuss on improving quality education with a focus on learning outcome.

"Fourth is, internal security with focus on intelligence sharing and coordination for combating terrorism, insurgency and also on police reforms and modernization," he added.

Singh said Prime Minister Modi had given a new direction to Centre-State relations since assuming power in may 2014, citing the scrapping of planning commission and constituting the Neeti Aayog.

"It is matter of great fortune that our Prime Minister has himself been a chief minister for 12 years. He has given new direction to relations between the states and the Centre," he said.

"The nation's development is not possible unless there is equitable development in all states. There should be a healthy competitive atmosphere between states where they adopt each other's best practices. This healthy competition is part of development framework," he added.

According to reports, the chief ministers of non-BJP states are expected to corner Prime Minister Modi and are expected to question Centre government on the spirit of federalism, following political crisis in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

It will be interesting to note whether the chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states voice their support for the long-pending bill as the government has reached out to the grand old party for passage of the GST in the Rajya Sabha where it does not have a majority.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi is likely to seek Chief Ministers' feedback and support for the GST.