Odisha CM demands greater flexibility for states at first NITI Aayog meet

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said that he has demanded greater flexibility for states to design and implement programmes suited to their specific needs at the first meeting of the newly formed National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.

"At today's meeting, I advised that the governing council meetings must be preceded by official level meetings to capture the concerns of the states. I assured that Odisha will partner the Central government in programmes of national priority, like 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Housing for All', and so on. I also demanded greater flexibility for the states to design and implement programmes suited to their specific needs," Patnaik told mediapersons here.

As far as allocation of resources for Odisha is concerned, Patnaik asked that his state be provided with supplies keeping in mind the natural disasters faced by it.

"I asked for enhanced allocation for infrastructure projects, including national highways, irrigation, rural roads... I suggested that national disasters faced by Odisha be factored in while allocating resources," he stated.

"I stated that no extension be given to mining leases that have completed 50 years which may be settled afresh through auction. I demanded imposition of green tax to compensate for pollution caused by mining in Odisha. And I pressed for the extension of Vizag-Chennai industrial corridor till Balasore," he added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the first meeting of the NITI Aayog, said that the spirit of cooperative federalism will enhance India's progress and prosperity.

The formation of the NITI Aayog was announced on August 15 last year by Prime Minister Modi during his maiden Independence Day address from the Red Fort.