Modi govt to solve state issues on priority

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made it clear that he will work for strengthening the federal structure of the country and would like his office to consider issues, especially those raised by the states on priority and with sensitivity.

Holding his first formal meeting with officials of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) a day after taking charge, he laid thrust on leveraging modern technology and developing systems and processes for effective monitoring and resolution of issues which are particularly brought to his office.

Modi, who was given a detailed presentation on the structure and functions of the PMO, said that over the past several decades, it has evolved as an important institution and that its "best practices" should be carried forward.

During the course of the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the need for resolving the people's grievances on fast track basis, a PMO statement said.

"The Prime Minister also indicated that he would like his office to consider issues, especially those raised by the states on priority and with sensitivity," it said.

Modi said that "this is important because India's progress lies in the progress of states and this would strengthen our federal structure".

He also underscored the importance of addressing concerns raised by people's representatives personally or through parliamentary procedures.

He emphasised on team work to bring in good governance and encouraged officials to freely interact with him with their ideas, the statement said.