Focus on intelligence sharing for strengthening internal security: PM Modi to states

Calling upon states to be vigilant and updated and to focus on intelligence sharing for strengthening internal security of the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked them to hold discussions on challenges and how to deal with them.

"We should today hold discussion on challenges faced by the internal security of the country, how to deal with those challenges, and how can we help each other in this regard," said Prime Minister Modi, while addressing the meeting of Inter-State Council here.

He pointed out, "Internal security cannot be strengthened unless we don't focus on intelligence sharing, for which we will have to be alert and updated."

Underlining the importance of the platform provided by the 'cooperative federalism' to hold talks for the welfare of people, to solve their problems, and to take decisions through mutual consultations, the Prime Minister said, "Through mutual consultations, we will not only strengthen the Centre-state relationship, but also ensure better future for the citizens of the country."

Lauding the effort made by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in holding the council's meeting after a gap of 10 years, he said, "Since 2006, the meeting of Inter-State Council has not taken place, and I am happy that the Home Minister has made an attempt to restart this process."

"Last year, he had called five meetings of the regional councils and as a result of that we are assembled here," he added.

The Prime Minister said the country's development is possible only when the Centre and the state governments walk together, shoulder-to-shoulder.

Talking about funds allocated to the states, Prime Minister Modi said, "I am happy that in 2015-16, the states have received 21 percent more funds from the Centre as compared to 2014-15."

"Under the 14th Finance Commission, panchayats and local units will receive Rs. 2.87 crores, which is too big. Besides, effort is being made to provide the states around Rs. 40,000 crores deposited in banks by making certain amendments in the existing Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)," he added.

Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he said, "Dr. Ambedkar has said the path of reforming society is as tough as the path leading to heaven. In this path, there are more critics than friends."

Accenting on the youth power of India, Prime Minister Modi said, "The strength of India is its youth. More than 30 crores children are in the stage to go school. Thus, we have capacity to provide skilled manpower to the world."

He said the Centre and the states should work in tandem to provide an environment to the children, where they could hone their skills as per today's requirement.

Swami Vivekananda used to say "the purpose of the education is character building and expanding wisdom so that one can stand on his feet, he added.