CPIM concern over new commission on Centre-State relation

New Delhi, Apr 28 (UNI) Polit bureau - the highest policy making body of the Communist Party of India (Marxists) (CPIM) has expressed serious concern about the terms of reference as well as the composition of the new commission on Centre-State relations announced on April 27.

According to a party release issued here today, the terms of reference of the commission do not include any of the major points in the Centre-State relations such as the needed increase in the share of central taxes for the States, transfer of Centrally sponsored schemes in the State subjects to the States and the alleviation of the problem of debt burden on the State, although all these items were emphasised in the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP) of the UPA.

The release pointed out that there has been an intrusion into the jurisdiction of the States when in item (j) and (k) of the terms of reference the issue of suo motu interference in the sphere of law and orer as well as suo motu deployment of central forces for certain category of crimes have been mentioned along with the idea of setting up of a Central law enforcing agency. These go against the basic issue that law and order is a State subject.

The concern is also about the composition of the commission where no noted expert on Centre-State-Relations has been included, the release added.

UNI