Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 24: The 10th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, witnessed spirited participation from Chief Ministers across the country, with several opposition leaders raising pressing issues pertaining to their respective states—chief among them being central fund allocation and interstate water sharing.

While the Prime Minister called for unified efforts to achieve the vision of a developed India, leaders from non-BJP ruled states used the platform to voice long-standing grievances regarding fiscal federalism and resource distribution.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin made a strong plea for equitable financial cooperation, stating that it was unacceptable for states in a federal democracy to struggle or seek judicial remedies to access their rightful dues. “It hinders not only the state's development but also that of the nation,” Stalin said, citing Tamil Nadu’s case where funds to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore were allegedly withheld due to policy disagreements with the Centre.

The DMK leader further called for an increase in the states’ share of divisible tax revenue from the current 41% to 50%, highlighting that actual transfers over the past four years have averaged only 33.16%. He also expressed concern over the rising financial burden on states due to the Centre’s increasing expectations in centrally sponsored schemes.

Despite his critique, Stalin acknowledged and lauded the Prime Minister’s vision of achieving a $30 trillion economy by 2047, while urging for policies that reflect true cooperative federalism.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann turned the spotlight on the contentious water-sharing issue between Punjab and Haryana. Firmly stating that Punjab was grappling with a severe water shortage, Mann opposed the ongoing Satluj-Yamuna-Link (SYL) project, proposing instead a Yamuna-Sutlej-Link (YSL) canal that would divert surplus water to deficit areas.

Mann asserted that Punjab, historically and geographically part of the Yamuna basin, must be considered an equal stakeholder in Yamuna’s water. He cited a 1972 report from the central Irrigation Commission to strengthen his case and reminded that the 1954 pact between then Punjab and Uttar Pradesh had entailed a significant share for Punjab, which has remained unacknowledged post-reorganisation.

The NITI Aayog meeting saw attendance from several state leaders, though notable absentees included West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, Karnataka’s Siddaramaiah, Kerala’s Pinarayi Vijayan, Bihar’s Nitish Kumar, and Puducherry CM N Rangaswamy.

As India's federal dynamics continue to evolve, Saturday's meeting reflected the growing chorus from state governments for greater autonomy, fiscal fairness, and recognition in national decision-making.