'Model for all other states'; Prime Minister congratulates Kerala at NITI Aayog meeting

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the formation of a special department for the elderly in Kerala. In his speech at the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting held in Delhi on Thursday, Modi pointed out that Kerala's action should be a model for other states. The Prime Minister said that the step taken to form a special department in Kerala is crucial in the silver economy system related to the welfare of the elderly.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had mentioned the formation of a department for the elderly while explaining the reforms that the new government in Kerala is going to implement. PM Modi's congratulations followed.

V.D. Satheesan also explained the challenges and opportunities of the MSME sector in Kerala in relation to the concept of comprehensive human development for a developed India by 2047. He also pointed out the financial crisis facing the state. The suspension of the assistance from the Finance Commission to meet the revenue deficit is causing a huge setback for the state. He also demanded that alternative assistance be provided for this.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lunch with the new Chief Ministers during the NITI Aayog meeting. Although everyone ate in one hall, the Prime Minister shared his table with Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The Prime Minister also met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said that the Prime Minister inquired about the decisions and reforms that the new governments are going to implement.