Punjab seeks immediate review of NCTC proposal
Strongly opposing Centre's proposal to set up National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Punjab government today demanded an immediate review of the decision by saying it was violation of the federal principle.
Strongly opposing the Centre's proposal to set up National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Punjab government today demanded an immediate review of the decision by saying it was a violation of the federal principle.
"The government is firmly opposed to the decision of the Government of India to set up NCTC with over-riding powers given to central agencies. This decision is a violation of the federal principle and will further weaken the states," Punjab Governor Shivraj Patil said in his address to the state assembly.
The NCTC, he said, would also create unnecessary complications, hampering smooth relations between the centre and the states.
"The government demands an immediate review of the decision," he added.
The Governor also regretted that there had been a progressive erosion of powers given to the states in the Constitution, "reducing them to mere beggars at the doors of the Centre".
"The states are directly accountable to the people for all their needs of development and better quality of life. And the state governments are in the best position to understand and address the problems of the people at the cutting edge," he said.