Centre criticised for not taking State governments into confidence
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday strongly defended the rights and interests of States and expressed concern over an emerging pattern wherein States' powers were sought to be abrogated either by the passage of Bills or issuance of notifications.
“Lack of consultation with the States and failure to take them into confidence is a cogent commentary on the system of governance at the Centre,” Ms. Jayalalithaa told the Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal Security in New Delhi.
She said the Union government decided “unilaterally” on the ongoing joint naval exercise off the Tamil Nadu coast in the Bay of Bengal with US nuclear-powered warships participating, and the State government was not taken into confidence.
“Such joint military exercises create panic reactions among the uninformed local public and, consequently, the State government is taken by surprise, caught fully unaware.”
The Centre did not permit the US Consul-General, Chennai, and senior Indian Navy officials based in the city to meet her. “This implies that the Central government has scant respect for constitutionally elected State governments.”
In another context, she referred to the need for infusion of funds to tackle problems such as cyber crime and the circulation of fake currency notes. “Capacity building and amelioration of skills make infusion of funds imperative. Sadly, the funds from the government of India are continuously being curtailed.”
The Chief Minister said that the leverage and operational magnitude of the States were sought to be kept under control by tightening finances.
“The constant attempts to reduce States to the level of glorified Municipal Corporations heavily dependent on the Centre for funds, is a travesty of the federal nature of our existence. This attitude is disturbing and the implication of such exercises is not conducive to either State or national growth.”
Considering the State governments' multifarious functions and their limited potential to raise resources, the Union government should come forward to provide liberally for strengthening and modernising the police force.
“With all the avenues for raising financial resources being taken away one by one by the Central government, the State governments are finding it increasingly difficult to make both ends meet.”
She referred to the decline in the Central share in the modernisation of the Tamil Nadu Police from Rs.75.75 crore in 2007-08 to Rs.42.27 crore in 2011-12.
“In contrast, my government sanctioned Rs.357 crore for police modernisation in the last financial year.”
Describing the idea of separation of crime investigation from the law and order wing of the police, as provided for in the Supreme Court judgment on police reforms, as the “right way forward,” she, however, counselled that such large-scale changes could only be implemented gradually, as people should become familiar with the changing structures.
Calling for incentives to personnel of the intelligence wing, she wanted the Centre to reimburse the special incentive of 10 per cent of the basic pay given to the personnel of the State intelligence wing up to the level of Additional Superintendents of Police.
Keywords: Chief Ministers Meet, internal security, security measures, counter terror steps, NCTC, Centre State relations
Just Just foolishness ..An attempt to stop terrorism in wise and transparent manner is opposed with foolish reasons like military uniform create panic among the citizens...In reality our own police in uniform create panic. Should they not wear uniform? it is not a matter of cloth and wearing but only to stop a wise step taken by a wise minister for the sake of opposition politics. Mr. Chidambram go ahead
Abrogate?
You abrogate or repeal a law or pass legislation that contradicts a
prior law. It is also revoking or withdrawing conditions of a contract.
What is the LAW or the CONTRACT or the LEGISLATION that the CM of Tamil
Nadu is talking about?
Centre has ‘scant respect’ for State governments: Jayalalithaa.
HaHaHa... Who else can talk about scant respect for institutions and
procedures?
The animosity between the State and Cental governments ruled by different parties is obviously enhanced by the personal enmity between the "sutradari" of the UPA government at the center and the state cheif minister. This is quite evident from the fact that the UPA government has consistently been against the state in matters of Cauvery water dispute, need for additional power supply etc. Earlier the UPA was towing the line of DMK when they were in power in Tamil Nadu. The powers of the DYNASTY rule must be curbed at the center and the states and only educated electorate can do this.
Jaya's comments at the NCTC conference is a public stunt and is only good to the "breaking news" loving people. If Jaya wants that everything including the defense matters be discussed with the States,then the States must also discuss the law and order problems with the Panchayats and Municipalities because these Municipality and Panchayats are also constitutionally elected by the people.Will Jaya discuss any law and order related matters to any of the DMK led panchayats or for that matter to any of her AIADMK led Municipalities?There is a system which has been followed as per the constitution and one must respect the constitution.
Joint naval exercises with a foreign nation are a central subject. Defence, Security and
foreign affairs are central subjects.
Does the state government consult, District collectors at each and every decision
affecting the district.
National interests shouldn't be sacrificed to advance political ambitions. Jayalalitha
should clean up her administration, and advance the calibre of her fans, most of whom
are partially educated, and fanatically attached to 'amma'. All her actions are designed
to boost up her image amongst her fans.
though it is a strong message to govt of india, more emphasis could have been given for fishermen issues being we are much affected state.
The DNA of the Congress is such that its attitude and approach to non
congress ruled states is one of supreme arrogance, indifference and
condescension, unless the said states are ruled by a UPA ally, where
also it expects the ally to 'behave'. In fiscal matters, the party
really believes that funds from the Centre to the non congress states
are a largesse doled out by it rather than the right of the states to
such funds. This feudal mentality, where non congress ruled states are
concerned, blinds the congress ministers at the centre from
recognising the mandate the non congress Chief Minsters have from
their populace. The party has yet to understand that regional and
state leaders have their own charisma and appeal and do not owe their
elections and popularity to the " Dynasty".
People need to understand that terrorism is something can not be handled by over weight & lazy police man, this is a different kind of problem and need different treatment. People opposing these are anti national. Security of citizen must be first and protected at any cost.
If the body language of the Tamil Nadu chief minister and the union Home Minister is any indication, Indian politics is in for a drastic realignment and change.
This is a right question, but it equally applies how much one should respect one another in order to see the development of India.
If both keep their stand far from the reality then this will not solve even after another century. otherwise a pure dictatorship will make every state bend to their knees.
State government not respected the elected central govt. and central . govt not respected the elected state govt. this trend should be changed by the both side, then only people of the country will be cherished.
well said jaya madam
Useful and excellent advise at the appropriate time. A vehement attack
on UPA at the appropriate time.Follow it up. Goodjob !!
Please Email the Editor