JP backs CMs’ demand for autonomy

Hyderabad, July 18: Loksatta founder, president Dr. Jayaprakash Narayana has supported the chief ministers’ demand of providing autonomy to the States. In the Inter-state Council meeting held on July 16, chief ministers of various States have demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give autonomy. Jayaprakash Narayan said the demand is a valid argument since most of the services come under the ambit of the State government. The people also give votes on the basis of functioning of State government. If the government failed to provide better services to the people responsibility lies on it only. He also said the State governments are not providing proper and better services to the people as all powers are centralized in the hands of the Centre. The Centre must also transfer 33% devolution of funds to local governments directly. Chief ministers direct elections and the strong local government would be keys to future federalism, Jayaprakash Narayan opined.