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At the 10th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog in New Delhi, Chief Ministers of non BJP-ruled states raised strong concerns over issues ranging from water sharing and financial discrimination to representation in administrative bodies and infrastructure support. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of discriminatory treatment, while his counterparts from Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand echoed similar grievances, calling for equitable distribution of resources, respect for federal principles, and greater support for state-led development initiatives under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.

Punjab CM Mann Alleges 'Step-Motherly Treatment', Raises Water-Sharing Issue

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of meting out “step-motherly treatment” to Punjab, citing multiple instances of alleged discrimination against the state.

Raising the contentious issue of river water sharing, Mann reiterated that Punjab has “no surplus water” to share and proposed the construction of a Yamuna-Sutlej Link (YSL) canal in place of the existing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Emphasising Punjab’s water crisis, Mann said, “The Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers are already in deficit. Water should be diverted from surplus to deficit basins.”

The Chief Minister highlighted that a 1954 agreement between the erstwhile Punjab and Uttar Pradesh entitled Punjab to two-thirds of Yamuna waters. However, after reorganisation, Yamuna waters were not considered in Punjab’s share, even though the river originally flowed through the state. He cited a 1972 report by the Irrigation Commission that placed Punjab within the Yamuna basin, arguing that Punjab should have an equal claim to the river waters.

Mann further expressed discontent with the functioning of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), claiming that the Board overlooked Punjab’s repeated requests to regulate water release to Haryana. He alleged that BBMB released 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, despite Punjab’s objections and humanitarian gesture of providing 4,000 cusecs when Haryana’s actual demand was 1,700 cusecs. “BBMB has taken this decision of taking Punjab’s water against the consent of Punjab. BBMB should be advised to restrain itself and act as per the provisions of law,” he said.

Raising the issue of security at the Bhakra Nangal Dam, Mann opposed the deployment of CISF personnel, calling it “unnecessary and completely avoidable” and urged the Centre to revoke the decision.

Mann also sought adequate representation for Punjab officers in the Chandigarh Administration, maintaining the 60:40 ratio between Punjab and Haryana that has been followed since 1966. He alleged this balance was being undermined by increased deputations from the AGMUT and DANICS cadres, calling it contrary to “the very spirit of cooperative federalism.”

The Punjab Chief Minister also demanded the immediate release of pending arrears under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Caste (SC) students for the years 2017-18 to 2019-20, saying the delay affects the higher education of SC students in a state that has the highest SC population percentage (31.94 per cent).

Mann also sought Centre’s support for desilting of Harike Headworks at a cost of ₹600 crore, urging shared funding by the central government and Rajasthan, given its national importance and status as a Ramsar site.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu Demands Ban On Apple Imports From Türkiye And Azerbaijan

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the NITI Aayog meeting and demanded a complete ban on apple imports from Turkiye and Azerbaijan. “Apple imports from these countries are causing losses to Himachal,” Sukhu said, as per ANI, quoting the Prime Minister’s response: “We will try that the upcoming harvest does not harm Himachal. Some agreements exist with other countries, and we will work towards reducing imports accordingly.”

Sukhu also sought 50 per cent central funding for the Kangra Airport project and demanded royalty rights from power projects that have repaid their loans. He further requested financial assistance and highlighted the need to prevent the exploitation of Himachal’s resources. “If we talk about sacrifice for the nation, Himachal has received the highest number of four Param Vir Chakras, but when it comes to rights, we are exploited,” he said.

Addressing the 10th Governing Council meeting of the NITI Aayog, Sukhu urged the Centre to consider the special needs of hill states by relaxing eligibility criteria for various central schemes and releasing long-pending dues owed to the state. The Chief Minister said that timely release of these funds would enable Himachal Pradesh to become self-reliant.

Sukhu highlighted the state’s comprehensive vision to transform Himachal Pradesh into a top tourist destination in India. “The state government is working on a compact tourism package that integrates religious, eco, water, nature and health tourism to attract both domestic and international visitors,” he said.

He also spoke about infrastructure development, particularly the ongoing expansion of the Kangra Airport to accommodate larger aircraft. “This will significantly boost the region’s economy as tourist footfall increases manifold,” the Chief Minister noted, as per PTI.

Raising the issue of hydro power projects, Sukhu strongly advocated for the state’s rights, including the provision of free royalty and the transfer of projects run by PSUs and CPSUs that have completed 40 years. He cited the state’s energy policy, which mandates 12 per cent royalty for the first 12 years, 18 per cent for the next 18 years, and 30 per cent for the final 10 years of a power project. “While private firms comply with this policy, central PSUs must also adhere to it,” he stressed.

Calling Himachal Pradesh the “lungs of North India”, the Chief Minister underlined the state’s efforts in environmental preservation and reiterated the demand for a Green Bonus from the Centre. He added that the state aims to become a Green Energy State by 31 March 2026 and is set to pioneer green hydrogen production with a one-megawatt capacity plant being established in Solan district in collaboration with Oil India Limited.

He further mentioned deliberations during the meeting on promoting entrepreneurship, skill development, and sustainable employment.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren remarked, “There was a discussion about ‘Viksit Bharat’. All the states expressed their views. We also expressed our views. ‘Viksit Bharat’ can only happen if there is a ‘Viksit State’… if there are developed states, then there should be developed villages as well.”

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Demands 50% Share For States In Taxes 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin also voiced strong concerns, urging the Centre to immediately release ₹2,200 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan for 2024–25, which he said had been denied due to the state’s refusal to sign an MoU for the PM SHRI scheme. He argued that such conditions were unfair and said, “It is not ideal for the cooperative federal structure that states should be given funds after a legal battle.”

Stalin also called for a 50 per cent share in central taxes and demanded a dedicated urban transformation mission for Tamil Nadu. “From automobiles to green hydrogen, we have seen strong growth in all emerging sectors,” he added, noting the state’s target of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030.

In a social media post on X, Stalin reiterated, “We currently receive only 33.16 per cent against the promised 41 per cent.” He also urged the Centre to launch a Clean Ganga-style project for the Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani rivers, with English names for “national coherence and regional pride.”

The NITI Aayog meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saw multiple Chief Ministers raising grievances and demands, many underscoring concerns over the erosion of federal principles and the need for equitable support to the states.