Modi asks states to work in tandem with Centre

New Delhi, Feb 8 , 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday asked chief ministers of all states to forge a model of "cooperative federalism" so that the central and the state governments can resolve their differences and chart a common course to "progress and prosperity". Chairing the first meeting of the governing council of NITI Aayog, Modi said India cannot advance without all its states advancing in tandem, according to an official release here. The prime minister added that he envisioned different states competing with each other in promoting governance initiatives in a spirit of "cooperative, competitive federalism". Modi said the governing council of NITI Aayog would help advance the national cause "as we jointly define it".