AGARTALA, July 13 (TIWN):Chief Minister Manik Sarkar is scheduled to leave for Delhi on July 14 to attend the second meeting of the NITI Aayog convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi .The meeting will held on July 15. The first meeting of NITI Aayog was held on Febraury 8, which was also attended by Sarkar. Prime Minister Modi has called the second meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog, which comprises all chief ministers, to discuss the controversial land bill and other issues like poverty, health and social sector schemes.The council is also likely to review the work done by three sub-groups of chief ministers and two task force under the NITI Aayog.The other issues which may come up for discussion include Goods and Services Tax (GST) and devolution of taxes between the Centre and states as per the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.Meanwhile civil secretariat sources said, Sarkar in the meeting will demand to continue the Special Category status for North Eastern states and change of sharing pattern of various centrally sponsored schemes.A resolution for continuing the Special Category status of the eight North Eastern states was taken following discussion with the Chief Ministers of the states concerned and a memorandum in this regard was sent to the Prime Minister on April 23 last.

Earlier, North Eastern states used to receive outlays under centrally sponsored schemes on 90:10 sharing pattern. The Centre has now changed sharing pattern of the different schemes.

The Centre would require Rs two lakh crore to supplement the Planning Commission's assistance to the various states and he would consider on how to assist the deficit states after receiving reports from NITI Aayog.