Modi reaches out to states by raking up 'cooperative and competitive federalism'

New Delhi, June 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the fourth meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhawan here.

The meeting is being held in the backdrop of standoff between Chief Ministers of opposition ruled states and the Centre over the issue of full statehood to Delhi and the sit-in stir by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

In his opening remarks, Mr Modi sought to reach out to the states by stating that "cooperative and competitive federalism holds key to progress".

He also appreciated the role of the states in institutionalising GST.

The day-long meeting is being attended by NITI AAYOG Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of different states, Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories and senior officials from the Central government.

According to official sources, the council is the premier body tasked with evolving a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States in shaping the development narrative.

It reviews the work done during the previous year and deliberates upon the future developmental priorities.

During the meeting, the council is expected to discuss important subjects including measures taken to double farmers' income, progress of flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat, National Nutrition Mission and Mission Indradhanush, development of aspirational districts and celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu had earlier indicated that he would rake up the issue of Special Category status for his state.

On Saturday, Mr Naidu hosted a meeting of his counterparts from three major states - Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan and H D Kumaraswamy. These leaders also flayed the Centre for the on-going stalemate in Delhi government.